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Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is in me, bless His holy name (v. 1).
This Psalm has no requests; it is all about praise.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget any of His benefits (v. 2).
Americans are becoming the most complaining and argumentative people in the world. The Bible uses the phrase “grumbling” to describe the Israelites’ attitude after the Lord set them free from slavery in Egypt.
As we listen to conversations – ours and social media posts – how many begin with a good spate of grumbling? America is the wealthiest country in history, and we live in the wealthiest time of our country’s existence – yet we grumble.
Psalm 103 is the antithesis of murmuring and complaining. It lists six great benefits that the Lord gives to all of us:
Who pardons your iniquity (v. 3)
Who heals your diseases (v. 3)
Who drags you up from the pit of your former life (v. 4)
Who crowns you with favor (v. 4)
Who gives satisfaction in life (v. 5)
Who brings renewal (v. 5)
As I accumulate birthdays, I love the poetic expression of verse five:
Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagles.
Our past, our mistakes, and our transgressions accumulate through the years. Those without faith dwell more and more on this past, causing their grumbling. Psalm 103 teaches us to let things go, to forgive others and ourselves.
Because we have received grace from God…
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy. He will not always contend with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us according to our guilty deeds (vv. 8-10).
When we’re tempted to complain, or when we begin to have a good bout of grumbling, let’s remember the perspective of Psalm 103:
As for man, his days are like grass; like a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place no longer knows about it. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting for those who fear Him, and His justice to the children’s children (vv. 15-17).
Injustice is a major cause of frustration today. Psalm 103 gives an eternal perspective:
The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all (v. 19).
No matter our difficulties – God will bring eternal justice and resolution according to His goodness. We need the resolve to bless the Lord in all things.
Interesting that the New Testament word for “grumbling” means a flock of pigeons cooing. When one bird starts cooing, the others join in, and before long you have an entire nation grumbling and murmuring and forgetting the blessings of God.
Bless the Lord, O my soul! (v. 22).
Read Psalm 103 over and over. It contains the antidote for mumbling, complaining, and a defeated attitude.
Victory is found through praise, not grumbling.