Psalm 103. If we turn on the news today, it is possible to become very depressed. Disagreement, disease, and divisions are reported and proven statistically. David was no stranger to rough times. He knew the jealous hatred of Saul, the divisions within his household between his sons who sought to undermine him, and the grief of the death of his children. In the face of all this he writes Psalm 103 that is famous for its opener and closer: Praise the Lord, my soul. Why?
- Forget not the benefits of knowing God: forgiveness healing, redemption, love and compassion, and ultimately satisfaction. David could look beyond the momentary traumas to the long-term benefits of knowing the God of the universe.
- He has learned something of the character of God: compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, does not harbor anger, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.”
- He remember God’s response to us: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” Wow! He remembers that we are dust. We are like flowers, here today and gone tomorrow.
Take a few minutes to write a list, or a poem to describe the benefit to you of knowing God. What have you learned about his character? What do you hold precious about knowing God? OR take each letter of the word p-r-a-i-s-e as an acronym to talk about God.
P: personal
R: rescues
A: almighty
I: intuitive
S: sincere
E: eternal
Blessings as you try your acronym.
On the Way to Wonder 