Bless the Lord, O My Soul

Tues Jan 1

Psalms: 103 148

Gen 17:1-12a, 15-16

Col 2:6-12

John 16:23b-30

When I was growing up, my mother brought food to the table in bowls and on platters. We then gathered around the table and remained standing behind our chairs while my father gave thanks for the food we were about to receive.

While raising our children, food still came to the table in bowls and on platter. Everyone carried something to the table, chattering away about their day. We sat and took turns saying grace or choosing the grace that would be offered by all.

During the Christmas holidays, our daughters served our plates in the kitchen. When all the plates were on the table, we were called to come and eat. I noticed that the younger children would begin to eat as soon as they sat down. 

 When everyone gathered around the table, the children set their utensils on their plates, chewed and swallowed what was in their mouths, and raised their hands if they wanted to help say grace.

Psalm 103:1 in action. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, let all that is within me bless thy holy name.”

As our family grows and changes, I am convinced over and over again: God does not change. “But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children’s children.” Psalm 103:17.

John Wesley believed that God creates each human “capable of God.” We carry within us a capability to know, love and obey our creator. With that capability, we are inheritors of the “everlasting covenant of grace” between God and Abraham. 

This and all succeeding covenants are a means of grace for all readers everywhere.  The covenant is mutual: we must walk before him in obedience and he will be our blessing.  We, as descendants of this covenant, are invited into a vibrant rapport with God. We are free to and expected to relate intimately with God, and God for his part can always be counted on to be there.

For us, Jesus is the shepherd and the gate to the sheepfold.  When we live in a way consistent with the Lordship of Christ, we have direct access to God.  “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his Holy name.”

God's benefits still include forgiveness, health, redemption, love, mercy and goodness. For our part, we only need to be faithful to remember and do his commandments. Take the time to know him. Learn his commandments. Be willing to forgive others. Take the time required to accept God's forgiveness. Work at forgiving yourself.

When  it seems that health is gone - cling to the health that obedience brings. Obedience to take medicine on time. Obedience to nap when energy is depleted. Obedience to exercise to increase endurance. Obedience to allow others to do things their way and to accept graciously the gift of "let me do that for you." Obedience to follow the doctor's recommendation not to get out in the cold, and especially the cold and wet. Obedience to do what you can. Obedience to forgive yourself. 

Praise God for his redemption through Jesus Christ. Be thankful for his goodness and gift of the Holy Spirit. Lean on him. Find 10, 000, or even 10 reasons to Bless the Lord, O my soul. Write them down, so those who follow, generation after generation, can know them, too.

Published on May 17, 2012

Video copyright Youtube User ID bobf72450. 

Bless The Lord O My Soul sung by Matt Redman. "Bless the Lord O My Soul" is a phrase reiterated from Psalms 103 and 104.