Every now and again I see a verse that simply reminds me of what we have in Christ Jesus – all those benefits for which Psalm 103 tells us to “Bless the Lord, O My Soul and do not forget!” One such verse was part of my daily reading this week.
“He Himself [Jesus] bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that, having died to sins, we might live for righteousness; you have been healed by His wounds. For you were like sheep going astray, but you have now returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.” [1 Peter 2:24-25 HCSB]
Jesus bore the punishment for our sins. We have been healed by His wounds. The Great Shepherd has found us and brought us into His flock. He now guards our souls.
Just those four benefits alone should be enough to bless the Lord down through the ages. I especially love the one that “guards my soul.” Heaven knows I tend to expose it so often to things that would damage it without that protection.
Too often, beloved, we approach God constantly demanding to be blessed. There is no doubt that we are blessed by God abundantly, but instead of grateful thanksgiving and blessing God for all He’s done, we act like little children in a toy store focused on getting the next toy.
Maybe it’s time we bless (praise and worship) our Shepherd and Guardian of our souls more abundantly.
“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.” [Ps 103:1-2 NKJV]
