Jeters Chapel
CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN
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.
The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
Pastor's Thought
Many years ago, my son Josh and I went on a 15-mile bicycle ride with a local Boy Scouts troop. I stayed back with a young man who was struggling with the ride, my son rode ahead.
About halfway through the trip, something told me to "go find Josh" so I rode ahead to find him. I came around a curve in the road and there was Josh riding his bike up through the woods in a frightened, lost, mindless way. I yelled to him "Josh!" and as we were reunited, we hugged. I realized, and believe Josh realized then too, that when you're in the arms of someone of who loves you, nothing else matters.
As I apply that experience to one of my favorite psalms, I realize as a parent loves their child and there are many benefits of a parent's love so too there are benefits of God's love for us.
The psalmist reminds us of these benefits which are spiritual in the sending of Jesus for our salvation. There are emotional benefits of God's love in that we are dearly loved, valued and have great dignity in the eyes of our Creator. There are eternal benefits in our assurance of our place in heaven through Jesus. There are physical benefits in God satisfying our every need.
So, don't let yesterday use up too much of today - God's love and mercies are new every morning and when we are in the arms of our loving God - nothing else matters.
Love,
Pastor Paul
