A Psalm of Forgiveness & Mercy

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,

    bless His holy name!

2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits,

3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit,

    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

5 who satisfies you with good

    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness

    and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 He made known His ways to Moses,

    His acts to the people of Israel.

8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,

    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

This psalm is the first in a line of psalms (103 – 106) in which David praises the Lord. It brings an end to the 4th book of Psalms in a way that reminds us of all the blessings which God has bestowed on us, starting first and foremost with His plan for our forgiveness for the sin in our lives. “He forgives all our iniquity, heals us, redeems us and gives us eternity through His steadfast love found through faith in His Son Jesus Christ. He delivered Israel and us through works of righteousness and justice.”

Isaiah 42 echoes this gentle nature of God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love:

“3 a bruised reed He will not break, and a faintly burning wick He 

  will not quench; He will faithfully bring forth justice.

4 He will not grow faint or be discouraged till He has established 

  justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for His law.”

We pray: God, You are gracious and filled with mercy; forgive me of my sin. You have blessed me in many ways, but praise be to You for Your redeeming mercy found through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Bless my soul, O Lord, for Your steadfast love. Amen.