Psalm 103...just when I needed it

Years ago, I think when I was in Jr. High, my Sunday school class memorized Psalm 103. I say this simply to highlight the importance of scripture memory. Today, alone in my hotel room far from home, when I needed God’s help, his words from Psalm 103 were right there, stored safely in the recesses of my heart and mind, ready to accomplish their intended purpose (Isaiah 55:11).

I recited the psalm out loud. Then I had the idea to paraphrase it, making it personal to me. Below is what I wrote…I hope it helps you, my beloved reader, wherever you are right now.

“Let all that I am praise the Lord. Why? Because He…

  • forgives my sins

  • heals my diseases

  • redeems my life from destruction

  • crowns me with love + tender mercies

  • fills my life with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s!

    What would I do Lord if you…

  • weren’t slow to get angry

  • weren’t filled with unfailing love

  • were constantly scolding me

  • didn’t understand how weak I am (really, nothing but dust)

  • punished me for all my sins (good grief, I’d be dead!).

  • hadn’t removed my sins from your sight, making them as far as the east is from the west (in other words, making YOU and MY SIN infinitely apart - never to come together - a beautiful image of the extent of your forgiveness I might add).

I praise you that, for those who fear you (revere you; stand in awe of you), your unfailing love is as great as the height of heaven + you are like a father to your children (me!), tender and compassionate EVEN THOUGH my days are like the flowers that bloom and then are gone as if they’d never been there. Still, your love remains + your salvation extends to those who are faithful to you + obey your commands.

  • Thank you Lord that, as you sit on YOUR throne in YOUR heavens, you are ruling over everything (what a relief…nothing catches you off guard).

  • Thank you Lord that you are compassionate + merciful (how is it that I do NOT get what I deserve.

  • Thank you Lord that your armies of angels do your bidding; they are constantly tasked to help me.

Let all that I am praise the Lord.”

Julie TateComment