PSALM 103:2

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits

TO PONDER

This verse from Psalm 103 is a repeated refrain in the worship song '10,000 reasons' and while I don't know the actual story behind the song, I suspect the whole song comes from this psalm in one way or another.

I can't include all the lyrics here, if your not familiar with the song, the lyrics are easy enough to find with a simple Google search, but basically, both the song and the psalm begin with proclaiming praise to the Lord and then go on to list off all the wonderful things the Lord has done. But it's the last verse of the song that I am reminded of and would like to reflect on today. Here are the lyrics...

"But on that day when my strength is failing

The end draws near and my time has come

Still, my soul will sing your praise unending

10,000 years and then forever more."

It is so easy to forget, when we are hanging on by a thread, when we feel that we have no option but to just give up, that God is still at work in us and in our lives and to forget all the good things God has done for us.

I have had the privilege in my ministry to walk beside a number of people in their final weeks and months in this life. I have to say that there are generally two ways people approach it. Some get bitter, they are only able to recall all the ways others have mistreated them, and complain about all the things they can't do which they did when they were younger and their bodies were more able. Others take the Psalm 103 approach, they have the same ten thousand reasons to complain, their bodies don't work like they used to, their kids and grandkids never come to visit, and yet they choose to give thanks to God because of all He has done for them.

I don't know if any of my children will read this, but if they do, I hope that they will read me psalm 103 if I start becoming a cranky old man (many years down the track) I know which way I want to deal with my old age I want to choose to praise the Lord and forget not all his benefits.

PRAYER:Heavenly Father, thank you that even when my strength fails and I see no way forward, I don't need to fear but simply recall your goodness and promises to me. Please help me not to forget or take for granted all you have done but rather to live every day more grateful than the day before for all your goodness to me. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle