Psalm 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
I read this verse just this morning in my quiet time before the Lord. The verse would not leave my thoughts as I continued to read the Psalm. The phrase “Bless the Lord” echoed in the chambers of my heart. I paused as I contemplated the definition of the word. I knew the definition of the word but its essence was out of my grasp. Webster gave me 9 definitions to consider. But that was not what I wanted. I wanted to know deep within my bosom, what does it mean to “Bless the Lord?” Is it some papist maneuver to exhibit before followers? Certainly not! Is it some gesture we can display to God? I think not! Is it solely some deed we can perform? No!
Yet we have before us the Holy Spirit-inspired command to “Bless the Lord!” When you read the rest of the verse, it is then you realize the essence of the phrase “Bless the Lord.” Blessing the Lord is an inward determination that erupts in an outward expression back to God. Blessing the Lord is our expression of unfettered praise to him.
When we bless the Lord, it requires the involvement of our soul. When we bless the Lord, it requires the instrument of our spirit. When we bless the Lord, it requires the instruction to our senses.
With the definition in heart and the essence in hand, the psalmist gives five areas that should elicit this kind of blessing.
He has Forgiven us; Bless His Name!
He has Healed us; Bless His Name!
He has Redeemed us; Bless His Name!
He has Crowned us; Bless His Name!
He has Satisfied us; Bless His Name!
