There are certain phrases so common that almost anyone could fill-in-the-blank. For example, if I said, “If you can’t say anything nice…” you could finish that sentence with “…don’t say anything at all.”
Or how about: “A picture is worth… a thousand words” or “Better late than… never.”
I was thinking about this because when my heart whispers, “Bless the Lord…” my spirit will finish that sentiment: “…O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
To bless the Lord means to affectionately, gratefully, praise His name.
To bless the Lord is a form of gratitude. King David said, “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: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5).
It’s thanksgiving week in America– a time when we’re encouraged to pause and reflect on our blessings. Modeled after the 1621 harvest feast celebrated by early colonists, the celebration of thanksgiving is over 400 years old.
But thanksgiving isn’t a day on the calendar.
Thanksgiving is a state of heart. It’s a reflection (any day of the year) of our gratitude toward the only One who deserves all the praise.
The Amplified Bible says, “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— Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities, Who heals [each one of] all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and corruption, Who beautifies, dignifies, and crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy; Who satisfies your mouth [your necessity and desire at your personal age and situation] with good so that your youth, renewed, is like the eagle’s [strong, overcoming, soaring]!”
I know some of that is redundant but I’m glad– we need to repeatedly echo our thanks to God for ALL He has done for us.
I love the food, the football game playing in the background, the bustle of preparation in the kitchen, the laughter around the table, and the ache of eating way too much! But as much as I enjoy all those things, I pray thanksgiving is always a reflection of my heart first and foremost.
Even if the year was hard and stamped by grief; even if all isn’t as rosy this year as I’d prefer; even if my table is smaller than year’s past– I can be thankful.
I should always be thankful.
My Lord Jesus is the “is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He is fully deserving of my thanks this year as any year. I’m so grateful my sins are forgiven, and there’s healing when I’m broken. I’m eternally thankful He redeemed my life from destruction and has called me His own. I can truly say my life is good and I am renewed in Him day by day.
Bless the Lord O my soul.
“… and forget not all His benefits”!
I pray you take the necessary steps to pause, reflect, and reset. May your thankfulness be full this year and always!
