Forget Not the Benefits
“Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” – Psalm 103:2-5.
Sometimes I start feeling sorry for myself in this whole walk with God. Why do I have to sacrifice? Why do I have to experience pain sometimes to honor the commitments I have made to God? Why, as the Psalms often say, does it seem at times that those who live their lives intentionally doing wrong, or even simply living with apathy, get further than those who give up everything to serve God? Why is it that often those who give their lives to serve struggle with finances?
At times I ask myself is it worth it. There are days when I ask God how He can think it’s fair that I go through certain things, how can it be fair that those of us who have given up our lives to follow Him are going through pain or trial?
And then I read this – it is a command. Forget not. Forget not the BENEFITS of following:
He forgives our sins.
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” – Micah 7:18
He heals our diseases.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 43:5
He redeems our lives.
“The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, 2 it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.” – Isaiah 35:1-2
He crowns us with love and compassion.
“Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.” – Lamentations 3:32
He satisfies us.
“You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.” – Psalm 145:16
What greater privilege than to follow One who loves us so. What sacrifice that we make could ever justify walking away from such goodness and faithfulness?