Read: Psalm 103:1; Psalm 96
Bless the LORD, O my soul. (Ps. 103:1)
It’s helpful to pay attention to the way psalms begin. Many are addressed to God in prayer, either in praise—“O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” (Ps. 8:1), or pain—“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?” (Ps. 13:1). Others speak to a human audience. Some are testimonies—“I love the LORD, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy” (Ps. 116:1). Some are exhortations for the people of God—“Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD” (Ps. 134:1), or for the whole creation—“Sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1).
But in Psalm 103 the psalmist is addressing himself. Like a hitter stepping out of the batter’s box, he’s concentrating on what he needs to do to be successful. He’s taking a deep breath and telling himself to focus. He’s visualizing his swing. Many things compete for our attention, but only one is our highest priority. We were made for worship. Think of the famous opening question and answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Question: What is the chief end of man? Answer: To glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.
Someday we won’t need to remind ourselves what to do. Praise will come to us naturally, and our lives will be everlasting joy.
As you pray, praise God with the words of Psalm 96.
David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. In his more than 40 years of devotional writing and preaching, he has been encouraging believers around the world to be shaped by God and his Word.
Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he is the author of nine devotional books and Bible studies, including God of My Days,Why Doesn't God Act More Like God,Christ in the Psalms, andA Gospel for the World.
Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
