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Psalm 103:1–5 — “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

David begins this psalm with a stirring call—not to others, but to himself: “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” He urges his own heart to worship with all that is within him. Why? Because gratitude fades when we forget God’s benefits. The antidote to forgetfulness is deliberate remembrance.

David lists God’s benefits, beginning with forgiveness. The greatest reason for gratitude is that God forgives all our iniquities. Our sins are many, but His mercy is greater. To remember forgiveness is to kindle fresh thanksgiving every day.

He also thanks God for healing, redemption, and protection. God delivers from destruction, crowns with lovingkindness, and satisfies with good things. These blessings are both spiritual and physical, temporal and eternal. Gratitude deepens when we rehearse specific ways God has blessed us.

The imagery of renewed youth like an eagle reminds us that God’s blessings invigorate the soul. Gratitude is not stale but renewing. When we remember His benefits, our strength is restored, our hope revived, and our joy renewed.

For the church, this psalm is a guide for worship. We are not to bless the Lord half-heartedly but with all that is within us. Our gratitude should be wholehearted, passionate, and full of remembrance.

Forgetfulness breeds ingratitude, but remembrance fuels thanksgiving. David’s call still rings true: forget not all His benefits. When we remember, we bless. When we bless, our souls soar.