"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 16 August 2016 with Scripture Psalm 103:1-8

"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Tuesday, 16 August 2016 with Scripture Psalm 103:1-8
Psalm 103:(0) By David:
(1) Bless Adonai, my soul!
Everything in me, bless his holy name!
2 Bless Adonai, my soul,
and forget none of his benefits!
3 He forgives all your offenses,
he heals all your diseases,
4 he redeems your life from the pit,
he surrounds you with grace and compassion,
5 he contents you with good as long as you live,
so that your youth is renewed like an eagle’s.
6 Adonai brings vindication and justice
to all who are oppressed.
7 He made his ways known to Moshe,
his mighty deeds to the people of Isra’el.
8 Adonai is merciful and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in grace.[Complete Jewish Bible
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Psalm 103 begins with the worshiper talking to herself. Perhaps it's a summer weekend and she's contemplating her options for another Sabbath day. The day has begun with her sitting on her deck with a cup of coffee in hand. She sees that the yard needs mowing. She recalls that the kids have been asking about going to a park or the lake. She is hoping to go for a long bike ride before the weekend is over. Worship is yet another option. She wonders how to prioritize worship with so many other things to do.
She remembers--and tells herself, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits." She remembers ways her congregation helps her remember how the Lord forgives, heals, redeems, crowns and satisfies. She recognizes her need for renewal and goes to worship the Lord who provides it.
God of steadfast love, remind us day after day of your benefits. Renew us as we remember your compassionate and merciful ways. Amen.
Jeffrey Eisele, '16
Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits--
3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
6 The Lord works vindication and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.[New Revised Standard Version]
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