Psalm 103:1-4
[A Psalm of David.] “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…” Psalm 103:1-4
The blessings of God so far outweigh anything this world has to offer! There are an inexhaustible amount of eternal and temporal benefits in following the Lord Jesus. The enemy of our souls (Satan), the father of lies, would have us believe that there is nothing more wonderful than the temporary pabulum of this cursed creation. Too often our souls develop a taste for this fading world, all the while allowing our eternal eyesight to dim. Who could offer anything as great as forgiveness of sins, redemption, perfect lovingkindness and the tender mercies of God? The simple answer is no one, but God Himself. God’s reminder here is clear- The world will NOT bring satisfaction or contentment, nor will focusing on the things of the world enlighten the soul or bless the Lord. There is a more subtle, but exacting reminder in the words “forget not.” We must always be on guard and alert, for the enemy of our souls will attempt to draw our attention away from the benefits of God, namely Himself to the temporary pleasures of the world. Too often we believe that we are actually giving up something to come to Christ. In actuality, we are only gaining. Letting go of this world only means we have that much more room in our heart, soul, and mind to be filled with the love and truth of Jesus Christ! “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ…” Philippians 3:8
A good rule of thumb: Place all things upon the altar, then set them ablaze. (1 Kings 18:37-39) All that remains is worth worshipping. In other words, only worship that which is eternal- worship God and Him alone!