Psalm 103:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 103:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Verse 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits-
Verse 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
Verse 4who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
Verse 5who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Verse 6The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
Verse 7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
Verse 8The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
Devotion
A former student believed that, until our final illness, we need not have a sick day in our lives. But for one who has had half a lifetime of heart disease, verse 3a jumps out as a problem. Maybe you too have a continuing health problem. Yet we can identify with much of the rest of these verses.
So every Sunday morning we praise the Lord alongside fellow church members. Not yet, but one day, we will have our lives redeemed from the pit, the grave. If no one else does, surely the Lord crowns us with love and compassion. Also, especially in our denomination, we are continually reminded that Jesus died for our sins. So we may be sure of God’s forgiveness. Most, if not all, of this poem can rise up from our souls as our prayer. No wonder many have memorized verses 1-5 as a favorite passage.
Prayer
Lord of the most holy name, my soul praises you. Everything enjoyed in my whole life has been a gift from you. Any good I have achieved was your work in me. I rest in your compassion and gracious love. Amen.