Bless The Lord !

  “The LORD has established His throne in heaven,  And His kingdom rules over all.”
Psalms 103:19  NKJV

 Today’s news is mostly depressing.  Loan foreclosures, job layoffs, hurricane & tornado disasters, bank closings, Wall Street, and a divisive presidential election.  Does God really care?  Is He aware of our plight ?  Absolutely- and He loves it when we praise Him for His blessings to us.

   “Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need.”       Philippians 4:6  NLV

Read:  Psalms 103:1-22 

I.  vs 2-4  Who Should Bless The Lord?

*  the Psalmist is talking to himself- speaking for himself first of all

*  David didn’t tell the nation Israel or others what they should do

*  what you say to yourself, largely determines what you are and do

            Luke 15:18-24  like the prodigal son, we too are forgiven

            Hebrews 8:12  God does not consider our sins anymore

            1 Peter 2:24  He heals our spiritual soul and being

            Ephesians 1:7  He redeems us from eternal destruction

vs 5,6     Isaiah 40:31  He is the satisfier and renewer of strength

II.  vs 8-12  Why Bless God? 

*  we should bless God because we have been blessed

            Psalms 40:1-3  He is merciful toward us and a blesser

            Romans 4:6-8  He takes away from us the guilt of our sin

*  because we’ve been cleansed from the stain of our sins

*  we bless His Holy name, for He is Lord !

*  He is Jehovah, the one who loves us with an everlasting love

*  He is our protector, guides us and cares for us as His own sheep

* we bless Him because His character is Holy, Just, and Unchanging

*  no, rest assured, God is not nervous-  He is omniscient !