Psalm 103 begins and ends with David’s exhortation to his own soul: “Bless the Lord, O my soul.” It is a psalm overflowing with wonder at the extraordinary grace of God. David is not simply calling others to worship God, but he begins by first urging his own heart to remember who God is and what He has done. This psalm reminds us that even when sin, pain, or sorrow cloud our vision, God’s redeeming work in history remains steadfast and true.

David recalls God’s past actions and unchanging character, where he recalled His compassion, His mercy, and His steadfast love. By remembering God’s works, David strengthens his heart with truth rather than being swept away by fleeting emotions. And this is the discipline of worship, where we speak to our souls and rehearse God’s goodness until praise wells up again.

The psalm also places our frailty in perspective. Humanity is like grass, like a flower of the field, here today and gone tomorrow. Yet, astonishingly, the Judge and King of the universe cares for us and does not treat us as our sins deserve. Instead, He crowns His people with love and mercy, and He Himself keeps His covenant with us. From the dust He formed us, and though sin broke communion, He repeatedly reached out to restore us. His mercy is greater than our weakness, and His love extends from generation to generation. Ultimately, God’s steadfast love took flesh in Jesus Christ, who became like us to save us.

Psalm 103 radiates outward: from the individual who remembers God’s benefits, to Israel who experienced His deliverance, to the whole creation called to worship, and finally back again to the psalmist’s soul. And this tells us that personal thanksgiving is never isolated—it is woven into God’s larger story of redemption. As we bless the Lord, we join the song of angels, creation, and the people of God throughout history.

Psalm 103 calls us to the practice of remembering. In a world that constantly tempts us to focus on what we lack or what we fear, this psalm invites us to recall God’s goodness, mercy, and steadfast love. Take time to look back on your own story: Where has God shown you grace? How has He carried you in weakness, forgiven you in sin, or surprised you with kindness? Let that remembrance fuel gratitude and give you confidence to trust Him today. As you bless the Lord with your soul, you are not only lifting your own heart—you are joining the great chorus of God’s people and all creation in worship.

Prayer:

Dear Father, thank You for Your compassion that never fails, for Your mercy that is greater than my sin, and for Your steadfast love that crowns my life with hope. Teach me to remember Your goodness and to trust Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.