“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:2).

In this beautiful psalm the soul of David is lifted up to God in gratitude. It is an expression of sincere praise to God for His grace, goodness, and mercy manifested toward His creatures everywhere. If we focus only on verse 2, we discover the following things:

1. IT IS PRAISE TO GOD – “Bless the LORD”

The Lord gives life and sustains it. We live and move and have our being in Him. We should praise Him for every good and perfect gift. We should praise Him for all the spiritual and physical blessings we enjoy. The Lord is worthy of all praise from all the people of the earth, but especially God’s people. Let’s praise Him!

2. IT IS PRAISE FROM THE SOUL – “O my soul”

The praise uttered here comes from a full heart. It is the very expression of the soul. It expresses all that can come from the intellect, the emotions, and the will of a grateful heart. This praise is the voice of a sincere soul. Such praise will lift one’s soul into the very presence of the Lord. Let’s praise Him from the soul!

3. IT IS PRAISE FOR BENEFITS – “Forget not all his benefits”

Praise the Lord for all He does for us in the spiritual and physical realms. Study the seven benefits of the Lord mentioned in Psalm 103:3-6. He forgives our sins…He saves our soul…He makes us His children…He is the Great Physician and can heal all our diseases when it is in accordance with His will…He preserves life and crowns it with loving-kindness…He supplies every good thing we require…He gives continually the strength that we need. How gracious is the Lord! How wonderful is our God! What a blessing to know Him! Praise the Lord and bless His holy name forever and ever!