Take Time to Bless the Lord

O. T. #1319  "Take Time to Bless The Lord"
Nov. 5, 2018
Psalm 103


LET IT GLOW

We took some time off Friday and Saturday to get away together. My husband and I had not done that since June. Our focus was attending the musical performance of  "Samson" in Branson. It was great. They threw in some what "could have beens" in his life. Although Samson's rebellion against God's will for his life was evident, the end of his life was real, in that his self-sacrifice resulted in killing more Philistines who were ruling Israel. The show brought it to life as the fake columns fell. It makes us think how we should react whenever tempted away from serving God. Then, at the end, the gospel was shared and a song blessing Jesus was sung. It would be a good time to share with children about remaining faithful in our commitments to God and how we reap what we sow.

Before we take a deeper look, we should know that the word bless, in Hebrew, means to kneel; to bless God as an act of adoration; praise; salute. 

David calls upon his soul, his immortal nature, which he defines as all that is within him, all his senses and faculties to bless the holy name of God. (Falwell)
Three times David does this; then he calls upon the angels, hosts, and ministers of God to bless Him.

David blesses the Lord 7 times (using NLT):

1. Let all that I am praise the Lord. (verse 1)
2. With my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. (verse 1)
3. Let all that I am praise the Lord. (verse 2)
4. Praise the LORD, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out His plans, listening for each of His commands. (verse 20) These may be in reference to the "archangels" that surround God's throne.
5. Yes, praise the LORD, you armies of angels who serve Him and do His will. (verse 21) These may be angels of lesser statue, the multitude of hosts that appeared to shepherds of Bethlehem.
6. Praise the LORD, everything He has created, everything in all His kingdom. (verse 22)
7. Let all that I am praise the LORD. (verse 22)

David invites us in the universe to join the angels in praising God. Can we do it wholeheartedly and with all our being?

LET IT GROW

Just as David did not forget none of God's benefits, let us also:

• God forgives sin and heals its destructive effects. (verse 3)
• In love and mercy, He brings good out of evil. (verse 4)
• A life lived for the Lord brings satisfaction. (verse 5)
• He fights for His people when they are helpless, and does for them what they cannot do for themselves. (verses 6-7)
• God is patient with sinners who trust in His mercy, and disciplines in love. (verses 8-14)
• God's commitment to His people never changes; He will prove himself faithful. (verses 17-19)

          [Resource: Sing a New Song by Lydia Brownback]

Since we sin, God would be justified in withholding all these benefits from His people. Because Jesus bore our punishment for our sins, we get the benefits that He deserves. Such mercy and grace and love!

LET IT GO

Take a few minutes today and praise our awesome God with my whole heart.
Bless the Lord o my soul. Worship His holy name. Sing like never before, o my soul. I will worship His holy name!