Psalm 103 Part 2

We discussed the magnificent structure of this psalm yesterday. This refined and artistic piece of poetry, which is perhaps the most perfect song of pure praise to be found in the Bible, has no known circumstance. However, it is most likely from David’s later years, because he has a clear sense of the frailty of life and is full of praise and gratitude for all God’s lovingkindness’ and forgiveness. Read again vs1-2. True worship is something that is deeply inward. David wanted to praise God with his whole being. “O my soul” is not addressing some ethereal entity that dwells within us. Adam, upon reception of God’s breath of life, ‘became’ a living soul’ KJV (Gen 2:7) the RSV & NASB translate soul as being. The NLT says the combination makes ‘a living person’. This is the same Hebrew word here (nephesh) in Ps 103:1. Man is triune; body, soul and spirit. Made in the image of God. Without this union there is no life, there is no person. There can be no separation. When we die ‘then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit (breath) will return to God who gave it.’(Eccl12:7) 

David new true worship cannot be superficial. If we come to church but leave our minds at home, then how can we worship with ‘all that is within us’. These opening words show us that true worship takes all our powers. The worship hall is not a lounge and place of relaxation. 
In the pattern of Hebrew poetry, David used repetition for emphasis. He then added an important idea – that this praise and honour to God should be given to Him for rational reasons, not on the basis of mere emotion or excitement. True benefits are given by God to His people, and we must not forget them. Instead, we should use the remembrance of those things as reasons to praise.

Praise is the response of awe for God; while reflecting on what the Lord has done for the people of God throughout the history of redemption, for creation at large, for the community, and for oneself.