Psalm 103:1-2 (KJV) “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. [2] Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”
December is a natural time for reflection and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness throughout the year. It is usual at the beginning of the year to make a list of things we desire of the LORD God. It should also be natural to thank God for answers to prayers made, and for desires yet fulfilled. In this Psalm, the Psalmist calls our hearts and mind to “forget not all His benefits”, meaning, “do not lose sight of God’s goodness.” This is a warning. Human beings easily forget good things, especially when life becomes hard. The LORD God, through David, is saying: “Make a deliberate effort to remember what I have done for you.” Remembering God’s goodness is a choice, not an accident. Forgetting all His benefits leads to complaining.
Now, our Scriptural text says, “forget not ALL His benefits”, not some benefits, not only the big miracles. All of them – big and small, visible and hidden. God’s blessings are many, and we often notice only a few. Waking up alive today may seem “normal,” but it is still God’s BENEFIT to you. The word “benefit” means, “an act of good”, that is, anything you have received from God – food to eat, water to drink, protection from accidents, forgiveness of sins, peace of mind, strength to work, etc. Remember, the Bible says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17; KJV). Henceforth, beloved, we must make thanking God a habit. Write down answered prayers. Praise God even during trials. When things are hard, remember past victories.
Now, write down a number of prayers of thanksgiving outlining some of the benefits you have received from the LORD God.
Written by: Andrew A. Esemudje