The Holy Spirit led me to Psalm 103:1–5 this week, and I want to share it with you—specifically from the Amplified Bible. It 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 do not forget one of all His benefits.”
Not one. That’s our jumping-off point.
Who forgives every one of your iniquities, Who heals each one of all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, 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 is renewed like the eagle’s—strong, overcoming, and soaring.
What a list. He’s an “all or nothing” kind of God. He doesn’t just forgive some sins or heal a few diseases. He covers it all.
That Psalm came alive to me as I was reading through Exodus and Numbers this week. You can actually see God walking out each of those benefits with the Israelites.
In Exodus 12:35–36, God gave the Israelites favor with the Egyptians. They asked for gold, silver, and clothing—and got it. That’s divine wealth transfer.
In Exodus 14, Pharaoh's army pursued them, but God parted the sea, then drowned the entire Egyptian military. Not one remained. Egypt was a major power—but they never really recovered. God completely protected His people.
In the desert, God sent manna from heaven. It was just enough for each day. If they tried to store it up, it spoiled. Why? Because He wanted them to trust Him daily—not hoard out of fear. When they got tired of manna, He sent birds for meat.
But they still complained.
In Numbers 21, they grumbled again—this time calling the manna “contemptible.” That’s when God sent fiery serpents. Many died, but when they repented, He gave them healing: a bronze serpent on a pole. Anyone who looked at it expectantly was healed. A foreshadowing of Christ on the cross.
Still, they forgot. Again.
Moses went up the mountain to meet with God, and when he took too long, the people made a golden calf from the very gold God had given them. Then they credited it with their deliverance. Seriously?
After all God did—the protection, the food, the healing—they gave His glory to a statue.
We may laugh at the Israelites, but let’s be honest—we're not so different. Sometimes we value our comfort or convenience more than obedience. Sleep can be an idol. Money. Jobs. Even good things—like our family or ministry—can take God’s place if we’re not careful.
An idol is anything we lift above God. It’s what we turn to when we feel like God is taking too long. When we think we know better. When we say, “I’ll just handle it myself.”
Sound familiar?
Psalm 103 is the key. When we remember His benefits, idols lose their grip. When we remind our soul of His goodness—His healing, provision, redemption—we can rest in His promises.
Here’s how Moses prayed when things were falling apart:
“Now therefore, I pray You, if I have found favor in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You [progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with You]… And the Lord said, ‘My Presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.’” —Exodus 33:13–14 (AMP)
Even in the Old Testament, God promised His presence and rest.
Let this Psalm anchor your heart and guide your response when life feels uncertain.
“Bless (affectionately, gratefully) praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is deepest within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not one of all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercy, Who satisfies your desires with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s—strong, overcoming, and soaring.”
