Bless the Lord , oh my soul.
Scripture
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits” Psalms 103:1-3
Observation
This is a scripture that was birthed from King David. The Bible describes him as a man after God’s own heart. (Acts 13:22). God described Him as a man who would do everything God wanted him to do . With this knowledge, these instructions David was giving himself in this scripture we’re looking at today is something God desires we also do as believers and His children . As a believer, our soul and our entire makeup (ie desires , appetite etc ) needs to bless the Lord .Now scriptures suggests our soul is made up our mind (Psalms 139:14) , our emotions (1 Samuel 30:6) and our will (Job 7:15).
To bless God means to give Him that reverence, it’s to acknowledge Him. It’s having a heart posture of praising His name and His marvellous works . Whilst also expressing gratitude for His power , exalting and worshiping Him. The root meaning of the word “bless” also means to “kneel” , this is a sign of humility and submission to God. Allowing every part of you to do what He requires.
God is a holy God, everything He stands for is holy, which is set apart. It’s important the things we choose to think, feel and do also reflects His holiness. Finally the scripture prompts us to not forget His benefits. The root meaning of the word benefit is “recompense “. Which is to make amends to someone for loss or harm suffered; compensate.God is always making amends on our behalf and a prime example is the atonement of our sins with His blood.
Application
Applying this knowledge, looks like your mind choosing to engage in thoughts that are aligned with the word of God. Hence why the Bible would let us know to actively cast down imaginations that exalt itself above the knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 10:5) . This also looks like choosing to believe the truth regardless of what your emotions are saying to you. For instance you find yourself feeling perpetual fear but the truth is God has not given us the spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7) . Due to knowing this truth, you choose to believe the truth, the word of God over the lies of the enemy . Not only do you this but you remind yourself of all the times God has come through for you . Counting your blessings allows you to have a heart posture of gratitude and praise. When you exalt God it makes you realise how small your problems really are. Reminding yourself about all the benefits of God also reaffirms His goodness.
Prayer
Thank You God for today, thank You for giving my soul an opportunity to bless You daily. I surrender my thoughts, emotions and will to You. Be Lord over them in Jesus Name I pray Amen.