Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Shalom,

The Scriptures I want to share with you today are from the Book of Psalms. The Psalms (Hebrew : TeHillim=Praises) are a living testimony of God's people as a nation (Israel) and as individuals. They reflect the hardships and struggles of life, and how the people conquered despair through faith in the living God. We find a reference to that concerning David:

1 Sam 30:6 (KJV)
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.

I believe that David used the Psalms to remind himself of the faithfulness of God to His people and His promises. Today we want to look at :

Ps 103:1-5 (KJV)
1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Amplified Bible gives a clearer picture of these verses:

Psalm 103[A Psalm] of David.
1 Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name!2Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits--3Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases,4Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy;5Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle's [strong, overcoming, soaring]!

He IS the God who has done all of these things for you! As you study and meditate on the Word of God, you will begin to realize all that the Lord has provided for you. When that becomes REAL to you, you won't be able to stop the praises from flowing!

Have a great, blessed day filled with praises of thanksgiving for Who He is and for all He's done!

Shalom in Him!