Skip to main content

bless God

Psalms 103:1
"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name."

Lest week we began our study of the acrostic GRACED:

Go to God in prayer daily.
Read God’s Word daily.
Attend worship regularly.
Connect in a study group.
Engage in service.
Dedicate yourself to the tithe and beyond.

We want to keep this pattern at the forefront of our minds. These are proven ways to grow closer to God. Adopt them, and you will not be far from the kingdom of God. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and you will have eternal life in heaven.

This week we will focus on “Go to God in prayer daily.” We can be a little stubborn about prayer, asking, “Why do I need to pray? God knows everything.” This thinking comes from a misunderstanding of the function of prayer. There is a classic bluegrass line that puts it well: “Pray all day, pray all night, pray until you see the light.”

Today’s verse is an outstanding model for our prayers. The phrase “O my soul” refers to the author’s inner self, while “all that is within me” encompasses every faculty and power; thoughts, emotions, will, and physical existence.

Key aspects of this verse include:

Internal worship: The verse emphasizes that true praise is not merely an external ritual but an internal, personal response rooted in deep gratitude for God’s character and actions.

Total devotion: By addressing his soul and everything within him, the psalmist calls for wholehearted concentration and affection, ensuring no part of his being is exempt from praising God.

Relational intimacy: The use of “bless” (or praise) directed at Yahweh, the personal name of God, highlights a close covenant relationship rather than distant formalism.

This opening verse sets the stage for the rest of the psalm, which lists specific reasons for this praise, such as God’s forgiveness, healing, and steadfast love.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

demands

Mark 6:32&33 "32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. 33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew Him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto Him." This summer we read through the Gospel of Mark two times! I praise you for studying God’s word, this world needs more Holy Bible studying Christians. Before we move on from the Gospel of Mark, we are going to review what my Pastor considers the most important point in the book, (other than the events in and arond crucifixion and resurrection) the feeding of the five thousand. All four Gospels describe Jesus multiplying five loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of about 5,000 men (plus women and children in Matthew), with twelve baskets of leftovers gathered afterward. Yesterday’s verses were leading up to this momentous occasion.  The apostles returned from their first missionary journey, they reported to Jesus all they had done and taught. Jesus invited the...
Post a Comment
Read more

broken

Luke 22:61 "And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny Me thrice." The cock crowed. Peter had denied Jesus—three times. Peter, who had walked on water, confessed Jesus as Messiah, and opposed the cross (earning “Get behind Me, Satan”). That day was already crushing: the Last Supper, Gethsemane, Jesus’ arrest. Peter drew his sword, then stood down. Following at a distance, he was recognized: “You were with Him.” “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Third denial. Earlier, Jesus warned Peter would deny Him thrice. Peter swore: “Even if all fall away, I never will. Even if I must die with You, I will not deny You.” (Matt 26:33–35; Mark 14:29–31; Luke 22:33–34; John 13:37–38) Now Jesus—beaten, bound—looks at Peter. Not with condemnation. With love. Peter breaks. He is not who he thought he was...
Post a Comment
Read more

Jeroboam

2 Kings 14:25 "He restored the coast of Israel from the entering of Hamath unto the sea of the plain, according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which he spake by the hand of His servant Jonah, the son of Amittai, the prophet, which was of Gathhepher." We’re continuing our series on God’s calling of His people. Last week we saw how God transformed the Apostle Paul—from zealous enemy to greatest champion. A clear theme is emerging: those God calls often start with reluctance. This week we meet one of the most famous reluctant prophets, Jonah. Jonah’s first recorded prophecy appears in 2 Kings 14:25. He foretold that King Jeroboam II would restore Israel’s borders from Hamath to the Dead Sea. This prophecy came true, bringing a season of prosperity to the northern kingdom. This historical note is important. It confirms Jonah was a real prophet whose words carried divine authority. By naming him “Jonah son of Amittai, the prophet from Gath-hepher,” Scripture anchors the he...
Post a Comment
Read more