Bless the LORD, O my soul

...... And forget not all His benefits (Psalm 93:2). David starts this Psalm by instructing his soul to bless the Lord, and this instruction to himself is repeated over and over in it. And like David, we likely need to remind ourselves not only to bless the Lord, but also to “forget not His benefits.” We were musing the other day on how different our world is from even a hundred years ago, particularly here in Newfoundland. It was all about survival, getting enough to eat, making sure there was enough wood for the winter, making sure the well did not run dry, having a warm dry roof over our heads etc. Paradoxically it seems to have been easier in those day to forget not all His benefits, than it is today. It seem the more we have, the more we think we need, and in the words of Kris Vallotton we make mountains out of molehills. So then what are some of His benefits?

Well for a start, the LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy, and as far as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us (verses 8, 12). When we confess our sins He cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). I was listening, I think it was to Roland Baker, the other day and he was saying what an amazing thing this is. For those of us who have experienced the conviction of the Holy Spirit to ponder of a moment, that without His mercy and cleansing, we would have those feelings for all eternity. He is angry at all unrighteousness (Romans 1:18), but “He will not keep His anger forever,” and “the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him” (verses 9, 17).

Repeating part of verse 17 and continuing, we read that His Mercy is on “On those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to such as keep His covenant, and to those who remember His commandments to do them.” Two things here. Firstly God's provision and protection (verses 2-4) is on those “who fear Him,” and who “remember His commandments to do them.” When we fail to do these thing we position ourselves outside of His Mercy and His benefits. There is no cheap grace here! Secondly His provision and protection come to our children's children's children when we (a) love God with all our heart, mind soul and strength, and (b) we obey His commandments (Exodus 20:5, 6; Mark 12:30). Most parents want the very best for their children, and one of the most important things to do is to leave them with a heritage that comes from loving God and obeying Him.

Father, I confess my sins and the sins of Your people this morning. We have not been thankful Lord, we have not remembered Your benefits, and we have not been doers of Your word (James 1:22). Your Word tells us Lord that love for You is to keep Your commandments and Your commandments are not burdensome (1 John 5:3). Bring us to the place Lord where we delight to do Your will. Help us Lord to stop resisting You, and to surrender into the benefits with which You daily desire to load us down (Psalm 68:19) in Jesus Name Amen