There are times, as a pastor, that it can become a chore getting people to worship the Lord. Which, in all honesty, is tragic. I believe one reason people become apathetic towards worship is that they forget who God is. David wrote, “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” (Psalm 103:1–2). Why is it difficult to keep people enthused about worship? They forget all of His benefits! We need to remind our souls and hearts of God’s benefits. Let’s look at some of those benefits outlined in Psalm 103.
God forgives all of our sins and iniquities (103:3a). He heals all of our diseases (103:3b). He has redeemed us from destructions (103:4a). God crowns us with lovingkindness and everlasting mercy (103:4b). He satisfies our longings with good things (103:5).
Those are some amazing benefits! Have your sins be forgiven? Bless the Lord! Has He ever healed your body? Bless the Lord! Did He deliver you from self-destruction? Bless the Lord! Has the Lord extended mercy to your life? Bless the Lord! Do you have food in your cupboard? Do you have a roof over your head? Do you have clothes on your back? Shoes on your feet? Then He has satisfied you with good things. Bless the Lord!
God is deserving of worship based on those benefits. On the other hand, God is worthy to be worshiped based on who He is. He executes righteousness and judgement for the oppressed (103:6). He has made His ways known (103:7) He is merciful, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy (103:8). He hasn’t dealt with us according to our sin nor to our iniquities (103:10). As far as the east is from the west, He has removed our sin far from us (103:12). He is like a Father who pities His children (103:13).
Think upon these benefits the next time you find it difficult to worship the Lord. Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless His holy name!