Benefits of Being a Child of God
One of my favorite scriptures is Psalms 103. David begins with praise to the Lord! He says Praise the Lord my soul and all my inmost being (with everything he has). Praise his holy name. He has a spirit of admiration and gratitude. I imagine him being able to hardly contain himself. Bubbling out from his heart, oozing from his pores his praise is almost
desperate. David then begins to list multiple benefits in being a child of God. It's as if he doesn’t want to forget what the Lord has done for him. We should take note of this. We are forgetful beings. Sometimes I sit quietly and try to list the things the Lord has done for me, and then I can just hear this Psalm in my spirit. Those that walk with the Lord are recipients of these gracious benefits. Our heavenly benefit package! No loop holes here. Just a loving father and his attributes. Notice these are all verbs, actions!
forgives all your sins
heals all your diseases
redeems life from the pit (kinsman redeemer with right to
buy back)
crowns you with love and compassion
satisfies your desires(ornament) with good things
youth renewed like the eagles (vigorous longevity 20-30-
50- years is eagles lifespan)
works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed
compassionate and gracious slow to anger and abounding
in love
does not accuse or harbor his anger forever
does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us
according to our iniquities
removed our transgressions from us
love is with those who fear him
righteousness with children’s children (our legacy)
established his throne in heaven and his kingdom rules over all
David calls out after listing these benefits to others to bless the Lord. He encourages the angels the mighty ones and all his heavenly hosts and finally creation everywhere in his dominion to Praise the Lord. Everyone with one accord. I can just imagine him jumping around the altar raising his hands with fervor. No wonder he was called a man after God’s own heart. The Lord was with David and David was with the Lord. I am humbled to know that the Lord cares for me this much. Not only to pluck me from the pit, but then to lavish such sweet blessings and benefits it is overwhelming. Looking at the heart that David has towards God inspires me to start my conversations with the Lord with praise! It is how I begin my day. The hard part is keeping this attitude and mindset throughout the day. This scripture is fantastic to memorize because when your attitude is less than it should be reciting the benefits helps lift my spirits and bring me back to the heart of God. May you start your day with praise and end it with thanksgiving!
Pastor Tracey Carder