PSALM 103

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s. The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.  (Psalm 103, KJV)

Psalm 103

“Praise the Lord, O My Soul”

There are no notes of sadness in the
Music of this psalm. Many give voice
To pain and trust. This one is untouched
By sorrow as if sung by spirits in heaven.

Praise flows in one unbroken stream.
Personal praise for gifts filling the universe,
And thanksgiving from every extremity
Of His dominion of loving kindness.

The catalogue of blessings lavished on the
Sinner’s soul with forgiveness and ends with
Immortal youth is most profound. The soul is
Healed and crowned with compassion.

Glorious metaphors of His love and
Compassion traverse from sunrise to
To sunset expressing the heights of God’s
Mercy and completeness of sins removed.

The Father pities our frame, the dust
Of the earth, “ As for man his days are like
Grass…the wind blows over it and it is gone.”
But those who reverence God have his life.

Nature and angels, stars, suns, seas and
Forest magnify their Maker and Sustainer.
“Praise the LORD, O my soul,” For your
Grace, pardon, and saving for eternity.

(c) Rex H. Henderson 2003

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