DC Devotion: Psalm 103
BY NATE URBAN, GRADUATE THEOLOGY STUDENT AT AU
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me, bless his holy name!”
I really love Psalm 103. It beautifully describes God’s nature, celebrates his faithfulness to his people, and it grounds our lives in gratitude and praise. One take away I have from just the first line is: there is always something we can do.
I love how David begins this Psalm. There is absolutely no context given for David’s circumstance. With no preface or provocation, David commands his heart and everything that is within him to praise. David yearned for his first response to every circumstance to be centered on God’s worthiness.
Undoubtedly we are affected by things inside and outside of our own control. Tragedy happens; our shattered lives can be the fallout of someone else’s decision or mistake. Our lives are practically constantly navigating these figurative waves of tremendous power. What else can we do but hold on tight, despair, or panic! Often it appears there is nothing we can do other than hope the next wave doesn’t sink us to a watery grave.
Yet there is always something we can do! We can always give God our worship, our attention, and surrender. David’s example shows us we can reorient our inmost being away from the problems and focus on God’s steadfast character. How often do I idolize and worship my problems rather than God?
The enemy of our souls would have us believe we are powerless, hopeless, and utter victims of our circumstances. He would have us think ourselves slaves to our fears and worries. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can re-align everything inside of us to God’s worthiness first and foremost. This takes us from powerlessness to surrender, from chaos to worship. We can fix our eyes on Jesus despite the present storm. With our eyes on him, he is faithful to guide us forward and catch us when we fall.
Maybe we can see the face of God clearest in our most overwhelming circumstances? Maybe what the enemy means to sink us will reveal just how near and strong our watchful and every-present savior really is. In each moment is an opportunity to orient ourselves around Christ, and look for his incarnate presence with. The first step is worship.
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all that is within me, bless his holy name!”
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.