With Benefits

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.    Psalm 103:10 ESV

Today is the kind of day I’ve been waiting for - a kind of laid-back, free-to-do-things day, and so far, it’s off to a good start.  In the course of life, moving across the country, and jumping right into long, hard work days, I’ve fallen behind in my Bible reading plan.  This morning I was able to get in a couple of extra days’ reading, so I’m finally feeling like I’m on my way to catching up.  And though technically I’m still behind, I feel like today’s passages were exactly where I needed to be today, so I guess I’m right on target!

Which is exactly what I am seeing in the Scriptures today!  My big God has EVERYTHING under control!  Little ol’ me can’t mess things up so much that God can’t accomplish His will.  And His timing is always perfect.

Thus I found myself reading Psalm 103 today.

Side note: I memorized this Psalm in elementary school.  I am SO thankful for the blessing of those years in Christian school where memorizing scripture was just part of the curriculum.  Those verses remain firmly planted in my heart and mind, and the Lord continues to use those words to guide and encourage me all these years later.  As life happens in the course of the day, He is able to bring to mind those verses that speak to me in the moment.

Anyway…

I was reading the assigned passages from April 29, looking for my “God shot” (that’s a term from The Bible Recap plan I’m following this year, challenging readers to view Scripture from the perspective of what it says about God rather than how it applies to us personally).  The funny thing is that my “God shot” was about how even the Psalmist took note of how following God benefitted him personally.

Certainly, following, serving, worshipping the Lord is all about who He is.  He is Creator, Eternal King, Father - so many names and nuances.  He is worthy of ALL glory, honor, worship.

I am worthy of death and hell.

And yet…

The Eternal King of the Universe knows me, loves me, saved me, and offers little me big benefits.  BENEFITS!

The Psalmist lists just a few of them:

• Forgiveness
• Healing
• Redemption
• Love
• Mercy
• Satisfaction/provision
• Renewed strength 
• Righteousness
• Justice
• Grace

He chose not to deal with me according to my sins.  He elects to not give me what I deserve! 

“Forget not all his benefits.”

I forget.

Sometimes I feel like all I ever do is come to God asking.  I also come to God complaining and doubting and questioning, expressing worry and concern.  How silly of me!

As the Psalmist notes, God’s got all of the “stuff” under control.

ALL OF IT!

Last week I paid rent.  That sounds like a pretty normal thing to do, but it was not at all normal.  It is hard for me to wrap my brain around the going rate for housing in 2024!  Before we made this most recent move, I argued with God about the impossibility of our being able to afford to live in south Florida.  I reluctantly consented to go, but I really didn’t see it working out.  I figured to go along for the ride, and then find a more sensible, affordable plan.  

But God made bank!

I just love how His benefits are not limited by my unbelief!

“He does not deal with us according to our sins.”

A little over a month into this new adventure, meditating on Psalm 103 today, there is freedom, and blessing, and so much hope!  

That doesn’t mean that life won’t still be hard or that there won’t be struggles.  None of this is about me.  It’s all about my faithful God.

Today, I simply want to bless Him and not forget His benefits. 

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name!

…Just a thought…