Psalm 103
This psalm isn't for everyone. It's only for the benefit of people who meet a very stringent qualification - they have to fear the Lord. The song is full of reminders of the goodness, the righteousness, and the mercy of God – but only toward those who fear Him. Obviously, then, the first thing we need to have when reading this psalm for ourselves is at least a measure of true fear of the Lord.
But what is that fear? Well, first and foremost, It's a deep, heartfelt recognition of the godhood of God – of His almightiness and majesty, along with an appropriate response of reverence and obedience, along with a desire to worship Him and please Him just because He's worth it. It's an attitude that has to be created in us humans by God's own Holy Spirit working within.
David wrote this song for those who experience that kind of holy fear. Those who qualify should very often be aware of the sheer magnitude of God's goodness and of the benefits He showers upon His people. They should often be reminded of His forgiveness of their sins, of His comfort and healing power on every occasion of sickness, of His protection from evil and rescues from death, of His lovingkindnesses and tender mercies, and of His providence of all good things in this life! They shouldn't mind setting aside special times to praise and thank Him for these things again and again!
They even need to be reminded, of how their gracious God can and does move even the dishonest and uncaring men of this world to deal beneficially with them at times. The psalmist says, "the Lord executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."
He reminds them that God has always been gracious to those who have that kind of godly fear. He reminds them that "He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel." He reminds them that "the Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy." Though He shows His people His anger when they sin, yet He also forgives - "He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities." He says, "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him." In fact, he sings, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us! As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For the Lord knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust."
David goes on to remind these reverent people that their days are short on the earth, but that God's mercy is everlasting and that His goodness will remain upon them and their children as long as they keep His covenant, obey His commandments, and fear Him. And it will remain upon them not only in this life but in the next as well.
With such a gracious God in mind, David then sings even to the angels and calls upon them to bless Him as well! In fact, he calls on all people, all angels, and all creation together - to bless God's Name in all the universe! Finally, he's reminded that he himself should bless the Lord along with all God's reverent people. He says, "Bless the Lord, O MY soul!" We too need to remind ourselves with those words!
Do you really fear Him? I mean – do you have a godly reverence because of His majesty and goodness? Then this psalm is for you.
Pastor I am always amazed that King David despite his sinfulness, indeed inspite of it, manages to praise God in all things.
David sins, and then he is pulled up into the "fear of the Lord". This checks him and he knows he must again praise the Lord..or down he goes again. Because "God inhabits the praises of his children"...Amen!
Don't I know how David feels! Indeed I am amazed at the Father's graciousness towards me. He has a way of checking me and holding me back from sins...I too call upon the Holy Angels of Jesus Christ to watch over me and my loved ones sometimes.
Thankyou for this Pastor. I do like this Psalm.
Jenny.
This Psalm is another of my favorite Psalms if not the favorite. It reminds me of all that God does for me and all that God is.
Thank you Al for all your hard work in writing these teaching for us. I know I have not been diligent in coming here and studying the way I should.
Lord I ask your forgiveness for that. I will try to do better.
My only answer to you dear people is, "Bless the Lord, O' my soul, and all that is within me. Bless His holy Name!"
Oh we do love you Pastor Al.
Jenny.
Yes, Al....we do! I don't always post here, but I sure do read all your commentaries (is that spelled correctly?), and benefit from them so much. Thank you, Pastor Al.!!
Thank you Judy! I love you all and want to minister His Word to you as I am able. I pray it will be accurate and faithful as well as applicable. God bless you all!
Well, first and foremost, It's a deep, heartfelt recognition of the godhood of God
Typo?
Thanks again, but I'm not at all sure wherein lies the typo. Could you fill me in a bit?
Well, I guess I thought that the word "godhood" was meant to be "godhead". ;)