Don’t Forget the Benefits! Psalm 103:1-2

“Laurie, where are my keys?”  “Have you seen my wallet?”  “What did I do with my glasses?”

I often misplace things forgetting where I put them at home, in my office, at church, or in the car.  I could save hours each week if I weren’t so absent-minded when it comes to keeping up with my stuff.  It would also save me from some humiliating experiences of having to depend upon Laurie to find things for me!

Sometimes I misplace my focus when it comes to my relationship with God.  I forget what is most important and as a result I lose my way.  King David’s example and his inspired words in Psalm 103 help me find myself by refocusing my attention on what is most important.  What’s more he shows me how to keep my focus where it belongs:

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits– Psalm 103:1-2 (NIV)

The focus of my life in Christ is to be on worshipping God…every part of my being is to praise his name.  Every thought, every emotion, every choice, every relationship, and every action should be dedicated to God’s glory because he is a God deserving of our praise.  That’s the kind of God he is.

The way to keep my life focused on worshipping God is to never forget all that he has done for me.  Worshipping God has its benefits!  That’s not “why” we worship God, but it’s certainly a help.  God blesses us with all he does.  Out of gratitude we turn to God and worship him because of who he is.

David lists at least 13 “benefits” that inspire our joyful worship (e.g. “forgives all your sins” vs. 3).  Can you find them all?  While you’re looking for then notice the Psalmist’s emphasis on “all”!  Meditate on all these benefits and ask yourself, “When did God last…forgive all my sins,” for example.

Once you’ve done so, I think you’ll find yourself caught up in thankful praise and grateful worship.  Never misplace your focus on something other than worship!  Don’t forget all the benefits and you’ll won’t go astray!

Counting my blessings,

Sunday’s Sermon Slides:  Praise for God’s Goodness, Psalm 100

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