“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Psalm 103:2
When I hear reports from friends about their spectacular trips, I usually have to fight off feelings of envy. I especially struggle when they tell me about their family reunions because my family—scattered to the four winds—will likely not ever be reunited that way on this side of heaven.
But often in those times the Lord “taps on my shoulder.” He’ll bring a Scripture passage to mind. He’ll provide me with a friend who helps reorient my thinking. I remember when a friend and I began to recall verses from Psalm 103. We joyfully enumerated the Lord’s benefits to us: forgiveness of sins, healing from disease, redemption from the pit, life crowned with compassion, satisfaction with good things, and renewal of strength. The sense of God’s goodness washed over us.
While others’ lives of may seem more extravagant than our own, we are rich, indeed, in Christ. Let your heart well up with gratitude. Don’t forget all He has given. Your right relationship with Him and your salvation through Jesus are things nothing in this world can measure up to.
But often in those times the Lord “taps on my shoulder.” He’ll bring a Scripture passage to mind. He’ll provide me with a friend who helps reorient my thinking. I remember when a friend and I began to recall verses from Psalm 103. We joyfully enumerated the Lord’s benefits to us: forgiveness of sins, healing from disease, redemption from the pit, life crowned with compassion, satisfaction with good things, and renewal of strength. The sense of God’s goodness washed over us.
While others’ lives of may seem more extravagant than our own, we are rich, indeed, in Christ. Let your heart well up with gratitude. Don’t forget all He has given. Your right relationship with Him and your salvation through Jesus are things nothing in this world can measure up to.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 103:1-14
Insight
“We hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1906-1945)
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 2-3
- Proverbs 25
- Revelation 3-5
