September 8th, 2025
by Pastor Skott
by Pastor Skott
Bless the Lord, O My Soul
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, it's easy to lose sight of the incredible blessings we have in our relationship with God. Too often, we focus on our struggles, our shortcomings, and the challenges we face, forgetting the immense love and mercy that our Heavenly Father lavishes upon us every day.
Today, let's take a journey through Psalm 103, a powerful reminder of God's goodness and the reasons we have to bless His name continually. This psalm, written by David, is unique in that it's not addressed to an audience or even to God Himself - it's David speaking to his own soul, reminding himself of the countless reasons to praise the Lord.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" (Psalm 103:1)
These opening words set the tone for a profound exploration of God's character and His relationship with us. As we delve deeper, we discover three key themes that can transform our perspective and renew our spirits:
God Forgives Our Sin
The first and perhaps most crucial blessing David mentions is God's forgiveness of our iniquities. In a world that often feels burdened by guilt and shame, this truth is revolutionary. God doesn't just forgive partially or grudgingly - He removes our sins "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12).
Think about that for a moment. If you travel north, eventually you'll start going south. But if you travel east, you'll never reach west - it's an infinite distance. That's how completely God separates us from our sins when we come to Him in repentance.
This forgiveness isn't just a theological concept - it's a life-changing reality. It brings peace, freedom, and a weight lifted off our shoulders. If you've ever experienced that moment of surrendering your life to Christ, you know the indescribable relief and joy that comes with knowing you're forgiven.
He Heals Our Brokenness
Beyond forgiving our sins, God is also in the business of healing. Psalm 103:3 speaks of Him healing all our diseases. While this certainly can apply to physical healing, it's crucial to understand that our deepest need for healing is spiritual.
Our world is broken, and we carry that brokenness within us. But God doesn't leave us in our brokenness - He sets us right, like a skilled physician setting a broken bone. This process might be uncomfortable at times, but it's necessary for true healing and strength to develop.
Remember, God's healing is holistic. He's not just interested in fixing surface-level issues; He wants to address the root causes of our pain and struggle. When we allow Him to work in our lives, He can bring healing to areas we didn't even realize were wounded.
He Redeems Our Life
Perhaps one of the most beautiful promises in this psalm is found in verse 4: "who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy." God doesn't just save us from destruction - He saves us for a purpose. He lifts us out of the pit and crowns us with His love and mercy.
This redemption is both a rescue and a restoration. It's not just about avoiding hell - it's about being restored to the fullness of life that God intended for us. When we understand this, we begin to see our lives through a new lens. We're not just forgiven sinners; we're beloved children of God, crowned with His love and called to a higher purpose.
Renewing Our Strength
As we meditate on these truths, something remarkable happens. Psalm 103:5 tells us that God "satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." When we focus on blessing the Lord and remembering His benefits, we find our strength renewed.
This renewal is likened to an eagle, and it's a powerful metaphor. Eagles go through a process of molting where they lose their old feathers and grow new ones. During this time, they might look ragged and weak, but they emerge stronger and ready to soar again.
In the same way, our journey with God isn't always smooth. We go through seasons of shedding old habits, confronting our weaknesses, and growing in faith. These times can be challenging, but if we persist in blessing the Lord and trusting His process, we'll emerge renewed and strengthened.
Practical Application: Counting Our Blessings
So how do we put this into practice? It starts with a simple yet profound shift in focus. Instead of fixating on our problems, we need to learn to "count our blessings." This isn't just a quaint saying - it's a powerful spiritual discipline.
Each morning, before you even get out of bed, start listing the things you're thankful for. Thank God for the breath in your lungs, for your family, for your job - even for the challenges you face, knowing that God can use them for your growth.
When we cultivate this habit of gratitude and praise, we'll find that our perspective shifts. Our problems don't necessarily disappear, but they're put into proper context. We begin to see our lives through the lens of God's goodness and faithfulness.
A Call to Decision
As we reflect on these truths, it's important to ask ourselves: Do we truly know this God of love and mercy? Have we experienced the forgiveness, healing, and redemption He offers?
If you've never made the decision to follow Jesus, to accept His forgiveness and invite Him into your life, today could be your day. The peace and freedom that comes from knowing your sins are forgiven and your life is in God's hands is beyond compare.
For those who already know Christ, let this be a reminder to continually bless the Lord. Don't let the cares of this world drown out your praise. Remember His benefits, count your blessings, and let your soul be renewed in His presence.
As we close, let's echo David's words once more: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" May this be the constant refrain of our hearts, transforming our lives and drawing us ever closer to our loving Father.
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, it's easy to lose sight of the incredible blessings we have in our relationship with God. Too often, we focus on our struggles, our shortcomings, and the challenges we face, forgetting the immense love and mercy that our Heavenly Father lavishes upon us every day.
Today, let's take a journey through Psalm 103, a powerful reminder of God's goodness and the reasons we have to bless His name continually. This psalm, written by David, is unique in that it's not addressed to an audience or even to God Himself - it's David speaking to his own soul, reminding himself of the countless reasons to praise the Lord.
"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" (Psalm 103:1)
These opening words set the tone for a profound exploration of God's character and His relationship with us. As we delve deeper, we discover three key themes that can transform our perspective and renew our spirits:
God Forgives Our Sin
The first and perhaps most crucial blessing David mentions is God's forgiveness of our iniquities. In a world that often feels burdened by guilt and shame, this truth is revolutionary. God doesn't just forgive partially or grudgingly - He removes our sins "as far as the east is from the west" (Psalm 103:12).
Think about that for a moment. If you travel north, eventually you'll start going south. But if you travel east, you'll never reach west - it's an infinite distance. That's how completely God separates us from our sins when we come to Him in repentance.
This forgiveness isn't just a theological concept - it's a life-changing reality. It brings peace, freedom, and a weight lifted off our shoulders. If you've ever experienced that moment of surrendering your life to Christ, you know the indescribable relief and joy that comes with knowing you're forgiven.
He Heals Our Brokenness
Beyond forgiving our sins, God is also in the business of healing. Psalm 103:3 speaks of Him healing all our diseases. While this certainly can apply to physical healing, it's crucial to understand that our deepest need for healing is spiritual.
Our world is broken, and we carry that brokenness within us. But God doesn't leave us in our brokenness - He sets us right, like a skilled physician setting a broken bone. This process might be uncomfortable at times, but it's necessary for true healing and strength to develop.
Remember, God's healing is holistic. He's not just interested in fixing surface-level issues; He wants to address the root causes of our pain and struggle. When we allow Him to work in our lives, He can bring healing to areas we didn't even realize were wounded.
He Redeems Our Life
Perhaps one of the most beautiful promises in this psalm is found in verse 4: "who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy." God doesn't just save us from destruction - He saves us for a purpose. He lifts us out of the pit and crowns us with His love and mercy.
This redemption is both a rescue and a restoration. It's not just about avoiding hell - it's about being restored to the fullness of life that God intended for us. When we understand this, we begin to see our lives through a new lens. We're not just forgiven sinners; we're beloved children of God, crowned with His love and called to a higher purpose.
Renewing Our Strength
As we meditate on these truths, something remarkable happens. Psalm 103:5 tells us that God "satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." When we focus on blessing the Lord and remembering His benefits, we find our strength renewed.
This renewal is likened to an eagle, and it's a powerful metaphor. Eagles go through a process of molting where they lose their old feathers and grow new ones. During this time, they might look ragged and weak, but they emerge stronger and ready to soar again.
In the same way, our journey with God isn't always smooth. We go through seasons of shedding old habits, confronting our weaknesses, and growing in faith. These times can be challenging, but if we persist in blessing the Lord and trusting His process, we'll emerge renewed and strengthened.
Practical Application: Counting Our Blessings
So how do we put this into practice? It starts with a simple yet profound shift in focus. Instead of fixating on our problems, we need to learn to "count our blessings." This isn't just a quaint saying - it's a powerful spiritual discipline.
Each morning, before you even get out of bed, start listing the things you're thankful for. Thank God for the breath in your lungs, for your family, for your job - even for the challenges you face, knowing that God can use them for your growth.
When we cultivate this habit of gratitude and praise, we'll find that our perspective shifts. Our problems don't necessarily disappear, but they're put into proper context. We begin to see our lives through the lens of God's goodness and faithfulness.
A Call to Decision
As we reflect on these truths, it's important to ask ourselves: Do we truly know this God of love and mercy? Have we experienced the forgiveness, healing, and redemption He offers?
If you've never made the decision to follow Jesus, to accept His forgiveness and invite Him into your life, today could be your day. The peace and freedom that comes from knowing your sins are forgiven and your life is in God's hands is beyond compare.
For those who already know Christ, let this be a reminder to continually bless the Lord. Don't let the cares of this world drown out your praise. Remember His benefits, count your blessings, and let your soul be renewed in His presence.
As we close, let's echo David's words once more: "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!" May this be the constant refrain of our hearts, transforming our lives and drawing us ever closer to our loving Father.
Discussion Questions:
The pastor emphasizes that when God forgives, it's forgiven forever. How does this truth impact your view of God's forgiveness and your own struggles with guilt?
Reflect on the analogy of setting a broken bone to heal. How can we allow God to "set" our brokenness so that true healing can occur?
The sermon mentions that God doesn't just save us from something, but for something. What do you think God has saved you for? How are you living that out?
Discuss the concept of blessing God instead of blessing our anxieties or problems. What practical steps can we take to shift our focus to blessing God in difficult times?
How does the image of an eagle shedding its feathers relate to our spiritual growth process? Have you experienced seasons of "shedding" in your faith journey?
Practical Applications:
Daily Blessings Exercise: Each day this week, start your morning by listing 5 things you can bless God for, focusing on His character and benefits rather than circumstances.
Sin Inventory: Take time to honestly assess any areas of sin in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God. Confess these to God and a trusted accountability partner.
Renewal Practice: Identify one area of your life where you feel weary or discouraged. Commit to spending 10 minutes each day this week meditating on scriptures about God's strength and renewal.
Gratitude Journal: Start a gratitude journal, focusing on how God has redeemed different aspects of your life. Write at least three entries this week.
Related Scripture
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:
1. Psalm 103 - This is the primary text for the sermon, referenced multiple times throughout.
2. Isaiah 40:31 - While not directly quoted, the sermon alludes to this verse when discussing renewal and strength like eagles.
3. Nehemiah 8:10 - "The joy of the Lord is your strength" is quoted in the sermon.
4. Jonah (general reference) - The sermon mentions running from God "didn't work so much for Jonah either."
5. Psalm 34:1 - "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" is paraphrased in the sermon.
Additional relevant verses that align with the main themes:
6. 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (Aligns with the theme of God forgiving sins)
7. Romans 5:8 - "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Relates to God's unconditional love)
8. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (Connects with the theme of redemption and renewal)
9. Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Aligns with the discussion on finding strength and rest in God)
10. Romans 8:38-39 - "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Relates to the theme of God's enduring love and mercy)
The pastor emphasizes that when God forgives, it's forgiven forever. How does this truth impact your view of God's forgiveness and your own struggles with guilt?
Reflect on the analogy of setting a broken bone to heal. How can we allow God to "set" our brokenness so that true healing can occur?
The sermon mentions that God doesn't just save us from something, but for something. What do you think God has saved you for? How are you living that out?
Discuss the concept of blessing God instead of blessing our anxieties or problems. What practical steps can we take to shift our focus to blessing God in difficult times?
How does the image of an eagle shedding its feathers relate to our spiritual growth process? Have you experienced seasons of "shedding" in your faith journey?
Practical Applications:
Daily Blessings Exercise: Each day this week, start your morning by listing 5 things you can bless God for, focusing on His character and benefits rather than circumstances.
Sin Inventory: Take time to honestly assess any areas of sin in your life that may be hindering your relationship with God. Confess these to God and a trusted accountability partner.
Renewal Practice: Identify one area of your life where you feel weary or discouraged. Commit to spending 10 minutes each day this week meditating on scriptures about God's strength and renewal.
Gratitude Journal: Start a gratitude journal, focusing on how God has redeemed different aspects of your life. Write at least three entries this week.
Related Scripture
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:
1. Psalm 103 - This is the primary text for the sermon, referenced multiple times throughout.
2. Isaiah 40:31 - While not directly quoted, the sermon alludes to this verse when discussing renewal and strength like eagles.
3. Nehemiah 8:10 - "The joy of the Lord is your strength" is quoted in the sermon.
4. Jonah (general reference) - The sermon mentions running from God "didn't work so much for Jonah either."
5. Psalm 34:1 - "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth" is paraphrased in the sermon.
Additional relevant verses that align with the main themes:
6. 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (Aligns with the theme of God forgiving sins)
7. Romans 5:8 - "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Relates to God's unconditional love)
8. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (Connects with the theme of redemption and renewal)
9. Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Aligns with the discussion on finding strength and rest in God)
10. Romans 8:38-39 - "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Relates to the theme of God's enduring love and mercy)
Posted in Psalms
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