Bless the Lord, O My Soul (Ps 103)
Speaker: Rev Dr Quek SY
Date: 01 Jan 2023

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Sermon notes taken by:

Mrs Sara Wong


In Psalm 103, “bless (Heb: barak) the LORD” means to say a good word for the LORD. Do we share with others how good God has been to us, how He has blessed us in our daily life, and seen us through our daily trials?

1.  Ps 103:1: The manner of blessing. When we say a good word for the LORD, it must be done more than just with our mouths. It must come from within us. This is possible only when we have experienced God personally. And we will want to bless the LORD to all who are around us, all the days of our life.

2.  Ps 103:2-18: The reasons for blessing.

(i) Psalm 103:3-5 gives us 5 personal reasons for our blessing of the LORD. (a) He forgives all our sins, no matter what they are, when we seek His forgiveness. Hence, we can and must forgive others too. (b) He heals all our diseases, and we recover from our illnesses. Do we say a good word for Him when He does so? (c) He redeems us from destruction, protecting us. (d) He crowns us with loving-kindness and tender mercies, i.e. He covers us with His mercies and compassion all our life. (e) He satisfies us, giving us strength to serve and witness for Him.

(ii) Psalm 103:6-18 points to God’s character, i.e. who He is, as the reason for our blessing of the LORD. (a) He always does what is right (v6). (b) He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, plenteous in mercy. This character of God (v7-10) was reflected in how He dealt with His people in the wilderness wandering. He is ever ready to forgive. (c) He pours down His mercies upon those who fear Him (v11). (d) He does not bring back our sins to use against us. This shows His true forgiveness (v12). (e) God knows we are weak (v13-14), thus His mercies are new every morning (Lam 3:22-23). We must not stop going to God for forgiveness. And we must not stop repenting. (f) Though we are like grass (v15-16), He still wants to be merciful to those who fear Him and who keep His commandments (v17-18). His mercies are from everlasting to everlasting.

Let us not be ignorant of God’s character, and let us not allow pride to prevent us from going to Him for forgiveness. The Psalmist has experienced all the above and hence, he could sincerely cry out, “Bless the LORD, O my soul…” (Ps 103:1).

 

3.  Ps 103:19-22: The climax of blessings. This points to the future when all will bless the LORD. God’s throne is in heaven and He rules over all (v19). The angels (ministers of God) are to bless Him (v20-21). We, who are His works, who are used by Him to bless others, are to bless Him (v22). Bless the LORD, O my soul!

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