“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits.” (Psalm 103:1-2)

     Psalm 103 points out the reasons that we should be thankful for the benefits of knowing the Lord and staying close to him.  These are not benefits we think of in terms of how we benefit through success in the world.  These are benefits of the Spirit and of the soul.  We have a God who forgives us and redeems us, a God who is merciful and gracious.  Vs. 10 points this out—"He does not deal with us according to our sins nor repay us according to our iniquities.”

     Even though abiding in Christ is not beneficial in the ways of the world, the benefits that God offers far exceed our expectations, and we should not forget this.  “As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love.” (John 15:9)

Prayer: Dear Lord, draw me close to you each day, because you give me all of the security I need to carry on.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit that is present in the lives of all who believe.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.