“Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and all that is [deepest] within me, bless His holy name! Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits.” – Psalm 103:1-2 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition.
“O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless His holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!” – Psalm 103:1-2 Message Bible.
As we reach the midpoint of this remarkable year, let us pause and reflect on the countless blessings we’ve received. It’s not by our own strength or power that we’ve come this far but by the grace of God. Psalm 103:2 (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition) reminds us, “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits.” The Message Bible echoes this sentiment in Psalm 103:1-2, “O my soul, bless God. From head to toe, I’ll bless His holy name! O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing!”
In a world where gratitude often goes unspoken, we are called to be different. We must not be like the nine lepers who were healed by Jesus but failed to return with thanksgiving (Luke 17:12-19). Instead, let us be the one who returns to give thanks, recognizing that every blessing we have is from the Lord.
Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One
Psalm 92:1-2 (NIV) says, “It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.” The act of thanksgiving is not merely a religious duty but a profound expression of our faith and acknowledgment of God’s goodness. When we thank God, we are not only honoring Him but also opening the door for even greater blessings. “Appreciation is an application for more,” and those who give thanks will find their “tanks” filled to overflowing for the second half of the year.
The Power of a Thankful Heart
Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV) says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
When we cultivate a habit of gratitude, we align ourselves with God’s will and invite His presence into our lives. Thanksgiving transforms our perspective, turning our focus from what we lack to what we have been abundantly given. It keeps us humble, reminding us that we depend on God’s grace and mercy daily.
As we step into the second half of this year, let us do so with hearts full of gratitude, ready to bless the Lord for all He has done and all He will continue to do. Let our thanksgiving be the key that unlocks the doors to even greater blessings, for when we give thanks, we glorify God and position ourselves to receive more of His goodness.
So, ask yourself, are you the one who will return to thank God or one of the nine who forgets? Choose gratitude and watch how your life overflows with His blessings.
