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A Reflection on Psalm 103

Preaching to Your Own Soul

“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…” (Psalm 103:1–2)

David doesn’t begin by addressing Israel. He begins with himself. This is a man who knew failure, pursuit, and despair. Yet his first command is not despair but worship: “Bless the Lord, O my soul.”

This is not performance-based worship. It is intentional, Spirit-driven remembrance.

The enemy wants us to forget—our pain, our wounds, our shame. But the Spirit of God calls us to remember grace. To count blessings and catalog mercies.

David now lays out five great benefits that stir the soul to worship.

1. He Forgives All Your Iniquity

“…who forgives all your iniquity…” (Psalm 103:3a)

The starting point of worship is forgiveness.

The word iniquity speaks to the twistedness of sin, not just outward rebellion. David had lived through adultery, deceit, and bloodshed—and yet he declares that God forgives all of it.

“If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” (Psalm 130:3–4)

Forgiveness is not only canceling guilt—it is cleansing shame. God says: “Your guilt is gone, your sin is covered, and I will remember it no more.”

You cannot out-sin His mercy. But you can dishonor Him by forgetting it.

2. He Heals All Your Diseases

“…who heals all your diseases…” (Psalm 103:3b)

This doesn’t promise unbroken health—it proclaims a comprehensive God.

In Hebrew parallelism, this phrase pairs with forgiveness of iniquity. Just as He removes guilt, He heals the heart diseased by sin.

“He sent out His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.” (Psalm 107:20)

God restores guilt-ridden souls, heals emotional wounds, reshapes broken desires, and renews our strength. His healing is not always immediate, but it is always certain.

3. He Redeems Your Life from the Pit

“…who redeems your life from the pit…” (Psalm 103:4a)

The “pit” is the grave, the place of corruption. Redemption is to buy back, to rescue from bondage.

David had been delivered from death, despair, and ruin many times. And he testifies: God redeems.

“He brought me up out of a pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock.” (Psalm 40:2)

Your “pit” may not be physical death. It may be addiction, depression, or loss. But God still redeems. He restores life and gives new purpose.

4. He Crowns You with Steadfast Love and Mercy

“…who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy…” (Psalm 103:4b)

Not only does God rescue—He exalts. He crowns His people, not with shame, but with glory.

The word hesed means covenant loyalty. Rachamim means tender compassion, like a mother’s love for her child.

You are not marked “failure.” You are crowned in mercy.

5. He Satisfies and Renews Your Strength

“…who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:5)

God doesn’t just forgive and redeem—He satisfies.

“You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:16)

The eagle soars above storms, renews its feathers, and rides the wind rather than flapping frantically. That’s the picture of a soul renewed in God’s grace.

A Living Illustration: Duane Miller’s Voice Restored

In 1990, Pastor Duane Miller lost nearly all function of his voice due to a viral infection. Doctors said the damage was permanent. His ministry ended.

Three years later, his church asked him to teach—on Psalm 103. Speaking in a whisper with a microphone, he read:

“…who redeems your life from the pit.”

And suddenly—his voice broke free. Instantly, fully, unmistakably healed.

The congregation gasped as Miller said, for the first time in years: “I don’t understand this… Thank you, LORD!”

Medical experts confirmed the reversal of the damage. But Miller would later write: the deeper miracle was not the restoration of his voice, but the refining of his soul during the silence.

Do Not Forget

Bless the Lord, O my soul. Do not forget His benefits:

He forgives. He heals. He redeems. He crowns. He satisfies.

Even in silence, even in suffering, He is faithful. And one day you will proclaim again—whether in this life or in glory:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”

Soli Deo Gloria.