The Psalmist of long ago declared, “Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2). Surely one of the great themes of the Psalms is praise and adoration. I love to study the wonderfully inspired Psalms because each time I do, my heart is filled with a greater desire to thank God and praise His great name. The above Psalm reminds us to “…forget not all his benefits.” The word “benefits” as is used here refers to “that which has been given.” On a daily basis, God “…loadeth us with benefits” (Psalm 68:19). Surely one of the greatest tragedies would be to forget the benefits or blessings that God gives. Hezekiah made that terrible mistake, and God’s wrath was kindled against him for his forgetfulness (2 Chronicles 32:25). Nine lepers that were healed by Jesus forgot to praise and thank the Master as well, and Jesus took note (Luke 17:15-18). Our lives are truly loaded with daily benefits! Consider with me just a few…
Firstly, there is the daily benefit of help. Life upon earth, at times, can be very difficult. Without help, life can be unbearable. However, we have the guarantee that God’s help is available to the faithful. David, when faced with great trouble, declared, “Behold God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul” (Psalm 54:4). Interestingly, David was writing of a time when the Ziphites betrayed him out to Saul (1 Samuel 23:19; 26:1). David felt as though he had no help, no encouragement, and yet, he realized that God was his help. The writer of Hebrews boldly reminded his readers, “…The Lord is my helper and I will not fear what men shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:6). Paul encouraged Timothy with this very thought as well. “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (2 Timothy 4:16-17). To know and be assured that God will always be there for us, no matter what comes our way, is a daily benefit that should thrill our very souls!
Secondly, there is the daily benefit of hope. Sadly, I meet people day by day that have no hope, nothing for which to look forward. To the Christian, however, he lives each day filled with hope! The hope of knowing that my sin is forgiven is a great benefit. Guilt and shame inundate the lives of those who have never been forgiven. However, those who have met the blood of the Savior, can “look the world in the eyes” because their sins are “remembered no more” (Jeremiah 31:31-34). God reminded His people of old, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV). Paul commanded that we “rejoice in hope” (Romans 12:12). To enjoy the daily benefit of hope not only makes tomorrow bearable, but makes tomorrow enjoyable (Romans 15:13)!
Thirdly, there is the daily benefit of home. Surely one of the greatest joys in life is to have a place to call home. No matter how difficult the day, happiness ensues when we arrive at home. However, this home on earth is only temporary. Can you imagine the happiness that will overwhelm us when we get to our permanent home? Jesus spoke of this home to calm His anxious disciples (John 14:1-4). The patriarchs of old remained faithful because they desired a better home (Hebrews 11:16). When you go on vacation, although the trip may be enjoyable, the destination is what keeps you motivated. Similarly, the Christian life, although filled with daily benefits, pales in comparison to the destination above. Sometimes I grow homesick for heaven and the glories I there shall behold. What a joy it will be when my Savior I see in that beautiful city of gold! The daily benefit of home keeps us on the journey.
We serve an amazing God! He cares and provides for our daily needs. He extends mercy when we fail. The Psalmist knew that God was worthy to be praised. Dear readers, the God that the Psalmist praised is the same God whom we should praise. As you pillow your head tonight, oh please, “forget not all his benefits”! Thank you God for all you do!
