Your Ultimate Provider
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and don’t forget all His benefits: ~ Psalms 103:2
Over the years, I’ve worked at several jobs, each one offering some kind of benefit package. These packages usually included retirement plans, health insurance, vacation time, and sick leave. Like most employees, I made sure to take full advantage of those benefits, especially the paid time off! After all, they were part of the package I was entitled to as an employee. Why would I pass them up?
As valuable as those job-related benefits were to me, they pale in comparison to the benefits we receive through our salvation from God. Psalm 103:1-10 lists the amazing blessings God offers to His people. These blessings are far greater than any earthly employer could ever provide. The key, however, is to recognize and actively take advantage of God’s benefit package, to an even greater degree than you would with your employer’s.
God’s benefits are not only generous, but they are also life-changing. Let’s take a closer look at what this Psalm reveals about His provision:
- Forgiveness of Sins (“Who forgives all your iniquities” – Psalm 103:3) Forgiveness is the cornerstone of God’s benefit package. While no employer can offer a remedy for our moral failings, God graciously forgives our sins through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. He wipes the slate clean, giving us a fresh start each day. In fact, if you look down to verse 12 of this chapter you will learn that He removes our transgressions away from us as far as the east is from the west. That mean we will never come into contact with our sin again for all eternity.
- Healing (“Who heals all your diseases” – Psalm 103:3) Employers might provide health insurance, but only God can heal us in body, mind, and spirit. He is the ultimate physician, gives us complete restoration when we turn to Him.
- Redemption and Rescue (“Who redeems your life from destruction” – Psalm 103:4) Life can lead us into pits of despair, but God’s redemption pulls us out. He rescues us from destruction and sets our feet on solid ground. His redemption is not temporary; it’s eternal.
- Love and Compassion (“Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies” – Psalm 103:4) God’s love and compassion are unmatched. While employers may offer recognition or bonuses, God crowns us with His steadfast love and mercies that never fail, even when we fall short.
- Satisfaction and Renewal (“Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” – Psalm 103:5) God provides true satisfaction. He fills our lives with blessings that refresh and strengthen us. When we feel weary, we can turn to Him and ask for His empowering grace to renews us, allowing us to soar like eagles above life’s challenges.
- Righteousness and Justice (“The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.” – Psalm 103:6) Employers often offer legal assistance or advocate for fairness in the workplace, but God goes far beyond that. He actively defends the oppressed and brings justice to situations of injustice. When life feels unfair, we can trust that God is working on our behalf to make things right in His perfect timing.
- Guidance and Revelation (“He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.” – Psalm 103:7) Just as an employer provides training or resources to help us succeed, God reveals His ways to guide us through life. Through His Word and the example of His work with Moses and the Israelites, He shows us how to walk in His path, fulfilling His plans for us.
- Mercy and Patience (“The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.” – Psalm 103:8) No employer can match the patience and grace of God. He is slow to anger and lavish in mercy, always willing to give us another chance when we stumble. His kindness is a benefit we can rely on daily, even when we don’t deserve it.
- Forgiveness Without Retribution (“He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.” – Psalm 103:10) In the workplace, mistakes often lead to consequences, sometimes severe ones. But God, in His unfailing love, does not deal with us according to our sins. Instead, He extends forgiveness, sparing us the punishment we rightfully deserve. This benefit is unparalleled, a display of His love and grace.
Just as we diligently utilize the benefits offered by our employers, we should be even more intentional about accessing and enjoying God’s benefits. Here’s how you can make the most of His generous package:
First, take time to think about the ways God has blessed you. Just as you might read the fine print of an employer’s benefit plan to ensure you understand your entitlements, delve into God’s Word to discover the full extent of His promises.
Then access His forgiveness. Don’t let guilt and shame weigh you down. Turn to God in repentance and receive the forgiveness He freely offers. Just like claiming a benefit requires action, we must actively seek and receive His mercy.
Next, seek His healing. Whether you’re struggling physically, emotionally, or spiritually, bring your burdens to God in prayer. Trust in His ability to heal and restore. Then you can fully rest in His love by letting God’s lovingkindness and mercy shape your identity. Meditate on His compassion and allow it to transform the way you see yourself and others.
You also need to keep renewing your strength. You can do this by spending time in worship, prayer, and scripture to renew your spirit. These practices are like the “vacation days” of God’s benefit package, offering rest and rejuvenation for your soul.
Always remember to be grateful. One of the greatest dangers in our spiritual journey is forgetting the benefits God has given us. Life gets busy, challenges arise, and we can lose sight of His blessings. That’s why Psalm 103 begins with a call to bless the Lord, to intentionally remember and give thanks for His goodness.
Today I want to encourage you to remember that unlike earthly employers, God’s benefit package is unlimited, eternal, and available to all who trust in Him. He forgives, heals, redeems, loves, and renews us. But these benefits aren’t automatic; they require us to interact with Him, just as we would with any earthly benefits. He has a job for us to do in this world and He has provided everything we need to complete that assignment. Even if it doesn’t look like you have the tools or gifts that you require, you can be assured that they are on the way.
So today, take inventory of all God has done for you. Bless Him with your whole heart, and don’t forget a single one of His benefits. He has provided everything you need to live a life of peace, joy, and purpose. And remember, while employers may come and go, God’s benefits are forever. Keep your eyes on Him, because He is your ultimate Provider.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 103:1-10
1Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits:
3Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
4Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.
7He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.
8The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.
10He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.
The Daily Dose 