Psalm 103

Today I thought we could pause and meditate on scripture together.  Wherever you are as you read this, begin by taking a deep breath - take two or three, whatever you need to slow down and settle.  

Then I invite you to read through Psalm 103 slowly.  I find reading long passages out loud helps me to really pay attention to the words.  Another option I find helpful is to write the verses down.  

Whatever you choose, the invitation is to notice the words you are reading.  Ideally you’d read the whole passage through once and then read it again.  

If you write it out you can mark it up as you go - circle, underline, and highlight what stands out to you. 

You choose what works best for you and then dive into a time of meditating on God’s word.


Psalm 103  (NASB)

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless
     His holy name.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,
     And forget none of His benefits;

Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with 
     lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with 
     good things,
So that your youth is renewed
     like the eagle. 

The Lord performs righteous 
     deeds
And judgments for all who are
     oppressed. 

He made known His ways to
     Moses,
His acts to the sons of Israel.

The Lord is compassionate and
     gracious,
Slow to anger and abounding
     in lovingkindness.

He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger
     forever. 

He has not dealt with us 
     according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according 
     to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are
     above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness
     toward those who fear Him.

As far as the east is from the 
     west,
So far has He removed our
     transgressions from us.

Just as a father has compassion
     on his children, 
So the Lord has compassion on
     those who fear Him.

For He Himself knows our 
     frame;
He is mindful that we are but
     dust.

As for man, his days are like
     grass:
As a flower of the field, so he 
     flourishes. 

When the wind has passed over it, 
     it is no more,
And its place acknowledges it no
     longer.

But the lovingkindness of the 
Lord is from everlasting to
     everlasting on those who
     fear Him.

And His righteousness to 
     children’s children, 
To those who keep his covenant
And remember His precepts
     to do them.

The Lord has established His 
     throne in the heavens, 
And His sovereignty rules 
     over all. 

Bless the Lord, you His angels, 
Mighty in strength, who perform
     His word,
Obeying the voice of His word!

Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You who serve Him, doing His 
     will.

Bless the Lord, all you works of
     His,
In all places of His dominion;
Bless the Lord, O my soul!


As you think about these words this week, may they be a reminder of God’s deep love and compassionate care for your life.  
 

~  Melissa