Discovering God Through the Psalms Grow in Your Intimacy with God! Psalm 103: Gaining Renewal by God’s Word Calvin Chiang

Discovering God Through the Psalms A Psalm of King David. David reminds the reader repeatedly to praise the Lord. It was most likely written at a later stage in David’s life where he is reflecting back and his heart was full of praise and thankfulness. Intro to Psalm 103

Discovering God Through the Psalms Praising God with Our Whole Being (Psalm 103:1-5) 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 forget none of His benefits ; 3 Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases ; 4 Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion ; 5 Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Discovering God Through the Psalms Observations from David’s Call to Praise It’s easy to forget about God’s faithfulness in the midst of our lives. Praise doesn’t often come naturally to us. We often need to plan it into our lives. We need to praise God with our soul, whole heart, entire being. He is worthy of our praise because of His intrinsic holiness. God is deserving of our praise because He is the creator and was without sin.

Discovering God Through the Psalms The God of Benefits Forgives all sins (v.3) Heals all your diseases (v.3) Redeems your life (v.4)-Hebrew noun “goel” (kinsman with the right to buy back) Crowns you with love and compassion (v.4)(Rev.3:21) Satisfies your desires with good things (v.5) (2 Cor. 2:16)

Discovering God Through the Psalms We can conclude from v.3-5 that God is loving, kind, generous, understanding, able to take what is bad in our life and make it good. He is all powerful, willing to forgive our sins and wants to restore and heal us. He knows exactly what we need in our life. <

Discovering God Through the Psalms Love of the Lord to His People (Psalm 103:6-14) 6 The LORD performs righteous deeds And judgments for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel. 8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. 9 He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 Just as a father has compassion on his children, So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He Himself knows our frame ; He is mindful that we are but dust.

Discovering God Through the Psalms Characteristics of God from v Compassionate (v.8) 2. Gracious (v.8) 3. Slow to anger (v.8) 4. Abounding in love (v.8) 1. He will not always accuse (v.9) 2. He will not be angry forever (v.9) 3. He does not treat us as our sins deserve (v.10) 4. He will not repay us according to our sins (v.10) 1. Compassionate (v.8) 2. Gracious (v.8) 3. Slow to anger (v.8) 4. Abounding in love (v.8) 1. He will not always accuse (v.9) 2. He will not be angry forever (v.9) 3. He does not treat us as our sins deserve (v.10) 4. He will not repay us according to our sins (v.10)

Discovering God Through the Psalms 3 Extreme Metaphors v For those who fear Him, respect and approach Him with an obedient heart… v.11…His grace is without measure…as high as the heavens are above the earth. v.12…Removed our transgressions…as far as the east is from the west. v.13…Regard for us…as a father has compassion on his children. For those who fear Him, respect and approach Him with an obedient heart… v.11…His grace is without measure…as high as the heavens are above the earth. v.12…Removed our transgressions…as far as the east is from the west. v.13…Regard for us…as a father has compassion on his children.

Discovering God Through the Psalms Man’s Weakness and God’s Power (Psalm 103:15-19) 15 As for man, his days are like grass ; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. 16 When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, And its place acknowledges it no longer. 17 But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children, 18 To those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them. 19 The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.

Discovering God Through the Psalms Summary of Psalm 103:15-19 Psalmist contrasts the frailty of man with the everlasting nature of God. Unlike us, God’s abiding love and compassionate care can always be depended upon. By following v.18, we are able to experience His grace in our lives. “to those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them” Psalmist contrasts the frailty of man with the everlasting nature of God. Unlike us, God’s abiding love and compassionate care can always be depended upon. By following v.18, we are able to experience His grace in our lives. “to those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them”

Discovering God Through the Psalms Bless the Lord (Psalm 103:20-22) 20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word ! 21 Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, You who serve Him, doing His will. 22 Bless the LORD, all you works of His, In all places of His dominion ; Bless the LORD, O my soul!

Discovering God Through the Psalms How do we Bless the Lord? By obedience, serving Him, doing His will (v.20-21) The notion that creation is yearning to be set free to serve God. How do we Bless the Lord? By obedience, serving Him, doing His will (v.20-21) The notion that creation is yearning to be set free to serve God.

Discovering God Through the Psalms Reflection Questions: 1. Can you list 3 things that God has done in your life that cause you to not forget Him? 1. What are some practical ways that we can praise God? (Hint…Psalm 27:6, 35:18, 66:16, 104:34, 106,1) 1. What will you do specifically this week to bless God?