Psalm 103:1-5 - Thanks in Our Prayers

Bless the LORD, O my soul,
    And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
    And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
    Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
    Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
    So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
--Psalm 103:1-5 NASB

In verses 1 and 2 the Hebrew word used is transliterated "barak," meaning to kneel or to bless. In the case of our conferring of blessing on God, it means to praise or glorify God. Verse 2 tells us to remember the things that God does for us. The Hebrew word here is "gemul," meaning a dealing, a recompense, or a reward.

Scripture tells us that we should always remember what God has done for us and that we should thank God each time we enter into His presence (Psalm 100:4-6; Psalm 103:1-5; Psalm 107:15; Ephesians 5:20; Philippians 4:6-7; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).

But what has God done for us? In short, He has done everything. God created the Universe, containing all that we know or can know. God loves us in spite of our sin and forgave us through the death of His Son, Jesus. God gives us family, friends, food, shelter, safety, jobs, health, and healing. God leads us, sustains us and disciplines us. God opens doors of opportunity and closes them, both done in love. God permits us to serve Him and He is faithful to us. Considering all that God has done for us, how can we not thank Him?

Father, I recognize You as the Creator of all that has been and all that shall be. I thank You and I praise You for all that You have done and all that You will do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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