Psalm 103:1–5
A Psalm of David.
1Bless the Lord, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits: 3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases; 4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
“Don’t forget the benefits”
Years ago, as I was in discussions with a potential employer considering a great job offer, he kept saying those words.
The salary wasn’t as much as I had anticipated and he could sense my displeasure, so he kept repeating it, “don’t forget the benefits”. The compensation package included more days off, cheaper insurance premiums, a commission based upon reachable performance goals and a few more great perks. It would be easy to look at the weakly paycheck alone (did ya catch what I did there?) but wouldn’t that be foolish?
It is wise to remember all the benefits.
Ok, I have a confession, I didn’t remember all the benefits and didn’t take that really great job. I missed out on a great opportunity that I am certain would have been better at the time for me and my family.
Man, I wish I had not forgotten all those benefits!
What a dummy! I make such silly mistakes that I should probably change this blog to the Bald Buffoon instead of the Bald Believer.
But you dear reader, get the benefit of my bad choices. You can learn from what I say and not do what I have done. When you consider your employment opportunities, don’t forget the benefits!
Psalm 103 is another psalm of David in which he talks to himself. He did that a lot. I am almost certain that one might think David was a bit insane because of this habit but it was actually a sign of his sanity and wisdom. Look at what he was doing,
1 Samuel 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
David encouraged himself in the Lord. He preached messages in which he was both preacher and congregation.
Do you ever wonder if he ever finished his sermon to self and then started playing “Just as I am” on his harp, told himself to bow his head, close his eyes and responded to his own invitation?
In today's reading from the psalms he continually reminds his own soul to bless the Lord but notice what he said in verse 2.
Psalm 103:2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits:
David reminded himself to remember all the blessings that were so easy to take for granted. I think we should follow David's example.
It is the devil’s job to distract, like a good magician he gets our eyes to focus away from what is really happening so that he can trick us into ingratitude and discontentment.
If you only think about today it may seem that serving Jesus doesn’t pay.
The apostle Paul said it best in his epistle to the church of Corinth.
1 Corinthians 15:19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
Paul was reminding them, “don’t forget all our Lord’s benefits”
One who follows the Lord has the benefit of a friend that sticks closer than a brother, has the Word to lighten his path and has Holy Spirit help along the way.
Yes, the earthly pay can be less than you expected, you will not be exempt from hurts and heartaches but the retirement benefits of being a believer are truly out of this world!
Let’s say it with David, “bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”