When I was in college working toward a career, one of the most important factors in my decision was the benefits of the teaching profession. A consistent schedule, holidays and summers free for family, good insurance, maternity leave, and retirement were all very important to me. It is a job with pretty great benefits, and I am very blessed! Serving Jesus comes with great benefits, too- way more amazing, actually! David lists many of them in Psalm 103:
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits--
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103: 1-5
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits--
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103: 1-5
This psalm has been my favorite to read all week. Reading and journaling by the beach, watching the sun rise, and hearing the waves crash on the shore has been my favorite part of each day. Here is a little excerpt from my journal:
One of my favorite bloggers, Stone Soup For Five, has a ton of really creative Bible journaling ideas and tips.
My favorite part of this psalm (this week) is where David lists the "benefits" of loving God. I believe he gives five in a row in the first few verses:
1) He forgives all my sins
2) He heals all my diseases
3) He redeems my life
4) He crowns me with love and compassion
5) He satisfies me with good things
1) He forgives all my sins
2) He heals all my diseases
3) He redeems my life
4) He crowns me with love and compassion
5) He satisfies me with good things
I think many people in "the world" are deceived into believing that a lifetime spent with Jesus is a restricted, limited one. And I think that deep down, some Christians believe this, too. This idea breeds discontent, envy, or covetousness, then compromise, and finally sin. And sin always costs us something. The longer I run this race, I think "compromise" may be the most dangerous, deciding force when it comes to eternity. The Bible is full of stories and verses about compromises that led to destruction. I just read one this week. Paul writes,
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
Ephesians 5:3 (NIV- my emphasis added)
Yikes! Not even a hint! Friends, we must not give Satan a foothold, not even an inch in our lives, homes, and families. Oh, it may seem silly and harmless at times, but don't be deceived. Be alert! Satan is a roaring lion, seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Father, reveal areas of compromise in my life. Let me not be deceived.
I think this is part of the reason why David instructs us to "forget not" the benefits of serving the Lord. When I meditate on the five points listed in Psalm 103, I am reminded of the goodness of the Lord and the importance of being heavenly-minded, and I am overwhelmed by His love for me. I am reminded that His ways are higher and better- all of the time. When I look at my family and my life, I want to do everything I can to draw near to God, know Him more, and receive his favor and blessing. Psalm 103 reiterates this reminder of the lasting effects of serving God. Verses 17-18 (NLT) state:
But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments!
When we do our best to trust and obey God, he is faithful to extend salvation to our future generations. It's a promise! And like any mother, I want God's best for my children. If there's a promise concerning Jacob or Reed, I'm claiming it!
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.
Ephesians 5:3 (NIV- my emphasis added)
Yikes! Not even a hint! Friends, we must not give Satan a foothold, not even an inch in our lives, homes, and families. Oh, it may seem silly and harmless at times, but don't be deceived. Be alert! Satan is a roaring lion, seeking to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Father, reveal areas of compromise in my life. Let me not be deceived.
I think this is part of the reason why David instructs us to "forget not" the benefits of serving the Lord. When I meditate on the five points listed in Psalm 103, I am reminded of the goodness of the Lord and the importance of being heavenly-minded, and I am overwhelmed by His love for me. I am reminded that His ways are higher and better- all of the time. When I look at my family and my life, I want to do everything I can to draw near to God, know Him more, and receive his favor and blessing. Psalm 103 reiterates this reminder of the lasting effects of serving God. Verses 17-18 (NLT) state:
But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him.
His salvation extends to the children’s children
of those who are faithful to his covenant,
of those who obey his commandments!
When we do our best to trust and obey God, he is faithful to extend salvation to our future generations. It's a promise! And like any mother, I want God's best for my children. If there's a promise concerning Jacob or Reed, I'm claiming it!
Remembering God's goodness, worshipping Him, and living a life that follows his commandments is a life of joy, blessing, and favor that our children, neighbors, and the people around us will notice. Even in the toughest of times, it is not difficult to sense and know the goodness of God. Prayerfully meditate with me on His benefits today.
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