Hopeful praise

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits. — Psalm 103:2

One of my friends was in tears on a beautiful summer day, unable to deal with life’s difficulties. Another could not look beyond the life-altering sadnesses of her past. Still another struggled with the closing of the small church he had pastored faithfully. A fourth friend had lost his job at a local ministry.

What can our struggling friends — or any of us — do to find hope? Where do we turn when tomorrow offers no happy promises?

We can praise or “bless” the Lord, as David said in Psalm 103. In the middle of trouble, acknowledging God‘s role in our lives can redirect our thinking from the hurts of our hearts and force us to dwell instead on the greatness of our God. David knew trouble. He faced the threat of enemies, the consequences of his own sin, and the challenges of sorrow. Yet he also recognized the healing power of praise.

That’s why in Psalm 103 he can list reasons to turn our attention to God, who gives us many benefits: He forgives us, heals us, redeems us, crowns us with love and compassion, satisfies our desires, and renews us. David reminds us that God provides justice and righteousness and is gracious and loving.

Take it from David: Praising God’s greatness puts hope in our troubled hearts. — Dave Branon

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,

To His feet thy tribute bring;

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven.

Evermore His praises sing! — Lyte

READ: Psalm 103: 1-14

Praise can lighten your heaviest burden.

The Bible in one year:

• Job 30-31

• Acts 13:26-52