Read Psalm 103:1-5. 1Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Here now is probably the greatest hymn ever written. A hymn to the God of all grace. The merciful and mighty King of Heaven. What makes it so great? It’s content, the gospel. The undeserved good news that God forgives all iniquities, heals all diseases, redeems fully from the pit of death, and then proceeds to crown with his covenantal love and mercy, satisfying our souls with his pure goodness, immortalizing us on eagle’s wings.
These are the benefits of being in a covenant with God. These are the benefits of being in Christ. Psalm 103 simply is not possible apart from the work of Christ, and it simply is not fulfilled without knowing him. Christ alone makes full pardon possible. Christ alone will one day restore our bodies to perfect health. Christ alone gives access to the all satisfying covenant blessings of God.
But psalm 103 is not just a hymn of praise. It is a lesson in preaching the gospel to ourselves. Notice that David is talking to David – my soul. This psalm is an inward dialogue. A conversation within ourselves that all who are in Christ must learn to practice. Where the world says “listen to your heart,” union with Christ says “talk to your heart.” Remind it of all Christ’s benefits.
To live is Christ is to not only live within all his benefits, but to preach those benefits to yourself over and over until they begin to take control of your mind, heart, and soul.
You: Do you try to listen to your heart or talk to your heart?
You in Christ: What other benefits of union with Christ can you think of and add to this psalm?
Christ in you: Practice preaching the gospel to yourself today. Fill in this blank: Oh my soul ______.
Pray: Father, when I forget the gospel all kinds of negative thoughts and actions take over. But when I remind myself of my benefits in Christ, I am satisfied and set apart. Keep the gospel in front of me today, I need it. Amen.
To Live is Christ 