Scripture for the week of August 2, 2020

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Psalms 103:1-2 NKJV

When you were kids did you and your siblings ever bicker over which one was the favorite child? This Psalm was written by King David, the youngest of twelve sons and he was definitely not among the favored. Many believe he may have been illegitimate because he was not presented when the Prophet Samuel came to his fathers house to anoint a king. David had the job of being a sheep herder in the family business that kept him isolated and far away out of sight. We can imagine him on a remote mountainside, playing his harp, worshiping the Lord to comfort his lonely soul and finding the peace and joy of the Lord that satisfied his every longing. (Ps. 107:9) When we find ourselves in those desolate unfavored places, maybe like David, we need to command our souls (mind, will and emotions) to rise up out of the pity place to worship the Lord and to remember all of God’s blessings, mercy, underserved grace and enduring love. Oh yes, bless the Lord oh my soul!

By JoBeth Kested