1Bless 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 forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5 (KJV)
Having a healthy relationship with God Almighty is the most important thing that any of us should aspire towards and maintain. In this relationship it is essential that we understand what our duties to Him are, as well as His covenant duties to us. In this relationship, God’s glory is achieved and, from us, worship to Him is received. We become His temples, filled with His Spirit, becoming His representatives in every way in this earthen realm. But in His eyes, our relationship is not one-sided. God desires to see us as being a people who benefit from Him. After all, He desires to be our Lord, our Father and our Friend. But we are also presented with an issue; we can easily forget these benefits!
Let’s take a look at five (5) benefits of God towards us that are mentioned in our main scriptural passage, written by the great psalmist and warrior king himself, King David.
Benefit #1: He forgives all our iniquities
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:19 (ESV)
This scripture represents a divinely intricate process that was orchestrated at the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The process starts by confession; specifically, our personal confession of our own sins. When this is whole heartedly done God has stated that He will (not might, but will) forgive you. This forgiveness is based on pure commitment and integrity. He is faithful, especially towards His glory and towards your well-being. Not only is He faithful, He is just. He shows that forgiving you of your sins, once you confess them truly, is a requirement that He will legally meet. The good thing is, because He is faithful, He meets this legal requirement with absolute gladness.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16 (KJV)
With this same benefit comes the reality that Jesus does not just “forgive”; He is also “acquainted” or “in touch” with what we go through. Why? Because He went through the same things, and in some cases even worse than what we have gone through. Because of this we can come boldly before His throne of grace, with no shame whatsoever. There, before His throne, we will find mercy (including forgiveness) and grace in every time of need.
Benefit #2: He heals all our diseases
13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
James 5:13-15 (ESV)
A benefit that God has given unto us is the privilege to experience, and believe by faith for, healing; whether for yourself or for others. Many believers see healing as something that no longer applies to us, or something that is subjective in view. We sing about God being the healer but, deep down inside, we sometimes might be led to believe that His healing days are over. But God is saying today that it is His will to heal; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Healing is the power of God, activated by faith in Him, that seeks to achieve the correction of every issue that affects the human condition which would oppose the accomplishment of the will of God.
How do we receive healing from the LORD? The Apostle James highlights three key components in the healing process:
(i) Prayer
For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.
Mark 11:24 (AMP)
Prayer is the mechanism and privilege given to us to build a consistent communication with the Lord. The Holy Spirit is the One who guides our prayer and leads us in the entire process of communicating with the Lord (hence why it is so important to always “pray in the Spirit”). In this context, prayer helps us in (i) making our request for healing, (ii) hearing what the will of God is concerning the situation, and (iii) discerning what might be spiritually behind the illness or condition. There are cases when God might not heal, but might require His grace to keep us. There are also times when He would heal. And it is always important to know what hindrances (demonic oppression, generational issues, etc) might be causing illnesses (for e.g. there might be a spirit of infirmity).
(ii) Anointing
And they were casting out many demons and were anointing with oil many who were sick, and healing them.
Mark 6:13 (AMP)
The use of anointing oil represents the work of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing innately special about the oil, but only who it represents. the process of anointing should always remind us who brings forth healing and supernatural workings in general. Therefore when we use anointing oil, we show forth our dependence on the very Spirit of God in intervening into the situation we are praying for. It is also additional action that strengthens our faith.
(iii) Faith
But without faith it is impossible to [walk with God and] please Him, for whoever comes [near] to God must [necessarily] believe that God exists and that He rewards those who [earnestly and diligently] seek Him. – Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)
Hebrews 11:6 (AMP)
Healing would not occur if Faith is not present and exercised. In many cases, healing could be a rare sight simply because of the faith factor. Faith is a Holy Spirit-led reliance on the Word of God which acts as our evidence of God’s ability to do all things. To have faith is to rely more on who God says He is and less on our senses and our perceptions of this realm.
Benefit #3: He redeems us from destruction
Christ purchased our freedom and redeemed us from the curse of the Law and its condemnation by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs [crucified] on a tree (cross)”
Galatians 3:13 (AMP)
Christ’s work of salvation did not just include the “forgiveness” part. It includes the “redemption from the curse of the Law” part. This means that Christ redeeming us was not just a one-time act; it’s a continued effort of keeping us rescued and helping us to development. Therefore, there are two dynamics to understanding what it means to be “redeemed from destruction”:
(i) Redeemed from all things that seek to destroy you and the purpose of God in your life.
(ii) Redeemed from eternal separation from God, eternal torment, and eternal destruction in the Lake of Fire.
Sometimes we make bad decisions. Who will help you repent and come out of that pit? The God who benefits you!
Sometimes we feel fearful and uncertain. Who will help you to repent and learn to trust Him more? The God who benefits you!
Sometimes you struggle with anger, lack of patience, and other things that seek to degrade any character development in you. Who will help you to get on the right track? The God who benefits you!
And what about your soul salvation? Sometimes you might even wonder who is truly able to keep you saved, or if you’re even saved. The God that benefits you is the only one who can redeem you from all destruction!
The God who benefits you seeks to redeem you from everything that seeks to bring your destruction!
Benefit #4: He crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever”
Psalm 23:6 (KJV)
The Amplified Bible version of the above scripture describes us as being “lavishly” crowned with lovingkindness and tender mercies. The scripture is showing us here that loving-kindness and tender mercies, from the LORD, are not just feelings; they are crowns. Therefore, since they are pictured as crowns it is important to see what such imagery shows us about their importance and function in our lives.
(i) Crowns indicate royalty
God’s loving-kindness and mercies are meant to show to us and to the world our place/position of royalty in Him.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
(ii) Crowns indicate our precious nature
Since God has “crowned” us with precious things (loving-kindness and tender mercies), it reflects not just our royalty but also how precious we are in His sight.
You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
Isaiah 62:3 (ESV)
(iii) Crowns indicate protection
A crown is placed on your head, representing the significance and protection of the head and, specifically, the mind. Someone who is crowned must not just hold a position; they must have the royal mindset. Their mind must be set on the loving-kindness, mercy, and glory of God.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Romans 8:5-6 (ESV)
(iv) Crowns indicate our relationship with Him
God crowning us is not just about “us”, it’s a reflection of our relationship with Him for His glory. Loving-kindness and tender mercies showed to us should always lead to God’s glory, not just our satisfaction.
In that day the Lord of hosts will be a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the remnant of his people
Isaiah 28:5 (ESV)
God crowning you with His loving-kindness and His tender mercies are His tools to help direct your mindset towards Him and to reveal to you and to others the royal status He has bestowed upon you, the precious nature He has given to you, the consistent protection He has over you, and the loving relationship that He has with you. When your life can express these crowns vividly, you will help lead others to Him also.
Benefit #5: He satisfies us with good things
15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:15-19 (KJV)
Paul highlights here how God provided for His personal needs through the generosity of the Church in Phillipi. Even when others didn’t see the need to send him anything, they did. Paul describes what they sent as “a sweet smell”, “a sacrifice acceptable”, and “well pleasing to God”. And, in light of this, Paul encourages them by showing them that God would supply all their needs.
One of the first names of God revealed in scripture is in Genesis 22:14 when Abraham reveals Him as “Jireh” – the God who provides. God’s provisional power is an extremely dynamic aspect of His identity. Even many of His other names stem from His provisional ability; Rapha (His Healing), Shammah (His Presence), Tsidkenu (His Righteousness), and Shalom (His Peace). And along with His provision, He brings with it satisfaction.
And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. – Isaiah 58:11 (ESV)
Isaiah 58:11 (ESV)
Believe it or not, God is very interested in your satisfaction. I always remember the quote from the famous American Minister, John Piper, which says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him”. Of course this does not mean that acquiring physical things would bring you and God satisfaction. True satisfaction is achieved when we have an intimate relationship with Christ. He desires that we experience true satisfaction in that intimacy, being satisfied in the peace, presence, provision, and power that God bestows upon us. Acquiring tangible wants are only a spill-off effect, and it is good to acquire them. But just remember that even the unrighteous acquire these things. So therefore houses, cars, money, and all the treasures of this world are not indicators of righteousness. For us as Kingdom people, such provisions are not necessarily to bring true “satisfaction”, but only to help us occupy this world well until Christ calls us home or until He comes.
Conclusion
God desires that we be benefitted in Him. Our well-being is important to Him. Therefore, remember how much He loves you in forgiving your sins and iniquities, in healing the diseases that seek to inflict you, in redeeming you from destruction, in crowning you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, and in satisfying you with every good thing. And it is especially good to remember this particular passage of scripture:
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with Whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
James 1:17 (ESV)
Beacon Of Flavor 