Layers and More Layers

One of the most beautiful things about Scripture is that there is always something new to see. I can read a verse multiple times and then suddenly something jumps out at me that I had not noticed before. This usually happens at a time I particularly need that new revelation. I love how God does that. It’s like the proverbial onion, removing layer after layer and finding even more layers as I go deeper.

This happened recently when I was memorizing Psalm 103:1-5, “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 loving kindness and tender mercies, who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” [emphasis added]

That first all found in these verses hit me hard. Was everything within me blessing the Lord? The question pricked my conscience. Were all my attitudes giving God glory? Were all my words blessing Him? Was the way I was eating, working, exercising, interacting with others all bringing honor to my Heavenly Father? It was not an easy time of reflection and correction. In many ways, this will be a life-long endeavor.

The next all in these verses reminded me to never forget His benefits. He gives us a list of the top benefits in the following verses: forgiveness, healing, redemption from destruction, His loving kindness and tender mercies, filling our mouth with good things and renewing our strength. That’s quite a list! As I pondered these benefits, I was convicted of the many times I grumbled, complained or became discouraged over challenges or disappointments. In those moments, I took my eyes off my Source and focused on the problem. When I do that, my problems get distorted and look so much bigger than they really are. But when I compare them to the awesome benefits of God, they return to proper proportion. My Heavenly Father desires to give me these incredible benefits, but He won’t force them on me. I need to ask and remember from where my help comes.

Over the next few days, will you join me in reflecting on each of these benefits? Take one a day and really mediate on it.

Day One: Think about the fact He forgives all your iniquities (sins). I’ve often heard people say God can’t forgive them for some terrible thing they have done. Nothing is impossible for God and Jesus bore all sin when He died on the cross. Nothing is too hard for God.

Day Two: Reflect on the Great Healer who heals all your diseases. If you are sick in your physical body, need emotional rest, or healing in relationships, turn to Jehovah Rapha, our Healer.

Day Three: Reflect on how God protects us and replaces destruction with restoration in our lives. Scripture assures us that God restores what the enemy has stolen.

Day Four: Reflect on His loving kindness and tender mercies. Make a list of what He has done in your life and the incredible blessings He has given you.

Day Five: Meditate on His supply of our physical needs. The Word promises that He will withhold no good thing from those who fear Him.

Day Six: Reflect on His sustaining strength. How often have you come through a trial that you didn't think you could handle? We all have and it was due to His strength. He does not fail us.

Throughout this exercise, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you can focus more on His benefits and experience the gifts He intended for you. You will be blessed!