The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Psalm 103:1-6, “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 none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
6 The LORD performs righteous deeds, and judgments for all who are oppressed.”

Have you ever spoken to yourself? “Well, goodnight, Jeffries! What do you think you’re doing?” It’s a gentle rebuke for not having done something the correct way. Most of the occasions of blessing in Scripture are those where God is invoked to bless us. Here, however, the psalmist David, addresses himself when he says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul…” It is not a rebuke; it’s the equivalent to kneeling before the LORD in reverent honor. Linked with the blessing is his self-reminder not to forget the benefits the LORD had previousl bestowed upon him.

How often we thank the LORD rather glibly saying, “Thank you, LORD, for all Your blessings.”
David, however, particularizes the blessings with seven notations. Pardon speaks of the forgiveness of sins. David had committed his share of sins, as have we. Heals is the recognition of God as the Great Physician. Yes, we have doctors; yet believers always look to the LORD to guide the doctors as they assist us in the healing process.

It is the LORD alone, who redeems (“buys us back”) from the pit, the destruction that would have swallowed us and choked out our very lives. Who wants to own a destitute sinner? Only the LORD wants us, for He can cleanses us of our sin and make us useful to His holy cause.
Then He crowns (atar) or encircles us defensively and faithfully, so as to protect us from all harm. Further, He satisfies (saba) us with “good things,” as neither we nor others could do, and He restores our youthfulness (something we truly appreciate as we grow older!).

Finally, He performs (accomplishes, asah) righteousness and justice, replacing the wrongs that were done against us. Have you ever wondered whether you would be found “not guilty” for the wrongs done against you? Here is your answer! The LORD takes care of that Himself, eliminating any boasting, had we sought to take care of it ourselves. We are not alone in any difficulty when we belong to the LORD! Now, we can join with David in saying, “Bless the LORD… bless His holy name.” He deserves our recognition of His divine performance.

Heartily in Christ,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom