Remembering God’s Goodness (Psalm 103:1-22)
Life moves fast. It’s easy to get caught up in worries, responsibilities, and everything happening around us. But Psalm 103, written by King David, reminds us to pause and remember something important: God’s goodness.
Bless the Lord with All You Are
David begins this psalm by talking to himself. He tells his soul—his whole inner being—to bless, or praise, the Lord. He doesn’t want to forget all the good things God has done for him. Sometimes we need to do the same: remind ourselves to be thankful.
God’s Personal Blessings
David then lists some of the ways God has helped him personally. God forgives sins, heals the sick, saves us from destruction, and fills our lives with good things. When we feel worn out or tired, God gives us new strength, like an eagle soaring in the sky.
God is Just and Kind
David says that God stands up for those who are treated unfairly. But what’s really amazing is how patient and kind God is. He doesn’t get angry quickly, and He doesn’t treat us as harshly as we sometimes deserve. Instead, He shows mercy.
God’s Love is Bigger Than We Can Imagine
David tries to describe just how big God’s love is. He says it’s as high as the sky is above the earth. That’s huge! God removes our sins as far as the east is from the west—meaning they’re completely gone. He knows we are human, with weaknesses, and He loves us anyway.
Life is Short, but God’s Love Lasts Forever
David compares human life to grass or flowers in a field—here for a short time and then gone. But God’s love doesn’t fade. It lasts forever for those who respect Him and try to follow His ways.
God Rules Over All – Let Everyone Praise Him
The psalm ends by lifting our eyes to heaven. God sits on His throne and rules over everything. David calls on angels, heaven’s armies, and all of creation to praise the Lord. And he ends just as he began—by reminding his own soul to praise God too.
A Reason to Be Thankful
Psalm 103 is a beautiful reminder to slow down and look at all the ways God has been good to us. Whether in forgiveness, healing, kindness, or strength, His love never runs out. So let’s take David’s advice and bless the Lord—with all our hearts.
Psalm 103:1-22 (WEB)
By David.103:1 Praise the LORD, my soul!All that is within me, praise his holy name!2 Praise the LORD, my soul,and don’t forget all his benefits,3 who forgives all your sins,who heals all your diseases,4 who redeems your life from destruction,who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,5 who satisfies your desire with good things,so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.6 The LORD executes righteous acts,and justice for all who are oppressed.7 He made known his ways to Moses,his deeds to the children of Israel.8 The LORD is merciful and gracious,slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.9 He will not always accuse;neither will he stay angry forever.10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,nor repaid us for our iniquities.11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,so great is his loving kindness toward those who fear him.12 As far as the east is from the west,so far has he removed our transgressions from us.13 Like a father has compassion on his children,so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.14 For he knows how we are made.He remembers that we are dust.15 As for man, his days are like grass.As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone.Its place remembers it no more.17 But the LORD’s loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear him,his righteousness to children’s children,18 to those who keep his covenant,to those who remember to obey his precepts.19 The LORD has established his throne in the heavens.His kingdom rules over all.20 Praise the LORD, you angels of his,who are mighty in strength, who fulfill his word,obeying the voice of his word.21 Praise the LORD, all you armies of his,you servants of his, who do his pleasure.22 Praise the LORD, all you works of his,in all places of his dominion.Praise the LORD, my soul!