Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
Psalms 103:1-5
As I read this passage “Jehovah Jireh” came to mind. According to Easton’s Bible Dictionary the name “Jehovah Jireh” means, “Jehovah will see to it. Jehovah will provide.” 1 Timothy 6:17b (AMP) states we are to set our hopes “…on God, Who richly and ceaselessly provides us with everything for [our] enjoyment.” God continually provides for us. It is not a “one and done” event. He is always giving—concerned with even the smallest details of our lives.
In this passage there are at least six benefits mentioned that God provides:
- Forgiveness
- Healing
- Redemption
- Love, compassion & mercy
- Goodness, good things
- Renewal
Most of these are self-explanatory and such monumental occurrences that they are not easily forgotten. But what about “goodness” and “good things”? What does that encompass?
“All my need fully supplied, and everything “good.” Goodness is God expressed.”
– Frederick Whitfield
Good things not only supply our every needbut they are our personal blessing, our choicest favors. They may not be monumental occurrences or breathtaking events. Maybe they are small things we sometimes overlook, like finding a parking spot or campsite at just the right time in the perfect place. Or having the sun break through just in time for a special event or occasion. Perhaps it is a majestic view, a stunning sunrise, or a glorious sunset. It could be something as simple as a reassuring or encouraging word appearing (and reappearing) at the point it is needed the most. Often we fail to recognize these choice favors and we take these good things for granted. Yet they are personal blessings designed specifically for us.
Psalm 116:12 (AMP) poses a very important question…
What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me?
[How can I repay Him for all His bountiful dealings?]
How could we possibly repay Jehovah Jireh? What could we offer Him? 1 Corinthians 2:9b (AMP) offers a partial answer: “…promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed.” Being obedient and grateful is definitely a step in the right direction. But the first two verses of Psalm 103 hold the key:
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;
Charles Spurgeon summed it up this way:
“Surely the goodness of God has been the same to us as to the saints of old. Let us, then, weave his mercies into a song. Let us take the pure gold of thankfulness, and the jewels of praise and make them into another crown for the head of Jesus.”
“Bless the Lord, oh my soul, oh my soul and worship His Holy name.” Jehovah will see to it and we will gratefully praise and worship Him with all that is within us.
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Father, thank You for all the good things You provide. Forgive us for the times we fail to recognize or take for granted Your blessing and favor in our lives. Make us aware of Your Presence in the even the smallest details of our lives so that we may gratefully lift up praise and glorify You. In Your Holy name we pray, Amen – it is so!
