OUR GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE

PSALM 103:1-5 NKJV 
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 forgives all your iniquities, 
Who heals all your diseases, 
4 Who redeems your life from destruction, 
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, 
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 

OBSERVATION: 

Whenever I started a new job, I was very interested in the benefits package. Strong benefits added quite a lot to the overall compensation package. 

This Psalm 103 is one of David's psalms, and he gives us a list of the benefits we have in the Lord. David had a strong heart for God and was convinced of God's goodness to him personally.   

David begins with praise, always a great place to start with the Lord. The fact that he starts with praise before listing the benefits is important. The Lord is worthy of our praise and honor regardless of what He gives us. But we are instructed not to forget His benefits.   

God is the One who forgives all our iniquities. We don't use that word too often, so we can substitute God forgives our sins and shortcomings. We could stop there and have an outstanding benefits package, but God does not stop there.   

Not only does He forgive our sins, He heals all our diseases. What a blessing! To someone who almost lost a wife and grandchildren, but for God's healing power, I greatly appreciate that benefit. Plus, what He has healed me from, His healing power is such a benefit! 

He redeems our lives from destruction. That redemption applies to our eternal destiny and God's protection in this life.   

He crowns us with loving kindness and tender mercies. I cannot accurately articulate what this means but any application of His loving kindness and tender mercies are totally welcome in my life. I am glad He does not crown us with doom and harshness! 

He satisfies our mouths with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagles. I can shed a bit of light on this verse. He gives us His word and His Holy Spirit to help us speak words of life. And there is great power in our words. So, I do not talk old and getting worse. I speak life and strength and good days ahead. I can't stop the aging process, but I sure don't have to speed it up.  

So, bless the Lord, oh my soul. He is good, and His words and benefits to us are good. He is worthy to be praised.