Bless the LORD

If the past year or so has taught us anything, it is to take nothing for granted. And while complacency seems to be in our nature, we must overcome that with gratitude to God for his blessings. All that we enjoy daily comes from the bountiful hand of God. Instead of a complacent spirit, we should respond with a thankful heart.

Repeat it with the unknown writer of Psalm 107, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”

Proclaim it with David, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's” (Psalm 103:1-5).

Say with Isaiah, “I will recount the steadfast love of the LORD, the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love.” (Isaiah 63:7)

If we begin and end the day with a prayer of thanksgiving for his blessings – if throughout the day we continually exclaim his goodness – if we never lose sight of what his steadfast love has provided and continues to provide for us – our days will be brighter, our load lighter, and our hearts more in tune with the will of God.

“Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul” (Psalm 103:20-22).

Let us join with this chorus and “bless the LORD.”

Thomas Larkin