Charles H. Spurgeon said, “Memory is a fit handmaid for faith.” Sacred memory encourages believers to trust and obey God’s Word. Notice the movements in Psalm 103.

Inwardly, David addresses his heart’s purpose. Psalm 103:1-5 reads, “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.” This reveals the heart of “a man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22).

Outwardly, David addresses his Hebrew people. Psalm 103:6-18 reads, “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. 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 punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes. For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children, To such as keep His covenant, And to those who remember His commandments to do them.” How great are the Lord’s mercies!

Upwardly, David addresses his heavenly partners. Psalm 103:19-22 reads, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, And His kingdom rules over all. Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word. Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, You ministers of His, who do His pleasure. Bless the Lord, all His works, In all places of His dominion.” Angels are heavenly partners, an angel told John, “I am your fellow servant” (Revelation 19:10, 22:9). Someone explains, “Because the Lord’s dominion includes both heaven and earth, it is appropriate that all His created beings and objects praise Him.” David concludes Psalm 103 as he began it, “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”

As you reflect on the Lord’s purpose, plan, and power, remember it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us” (Titus 3:5a). Praise the Lord.

Dr. Franklin L. Kirksey, of Robertsdale, is the author of "Don't Miss the Revival! Messages for Revival and Spiritual Awakening from Isaiah.