Saturday morning the air conditioner at the church quit. It was, of course, a very hot weekend, over 100 degrees. We could not get it serviced until Sunday afternoon, so anticipated that the building was going to be warm. It’s been cooling down into the 60’s by early morning and I thought I would get there early, open the doors, and set up some large fans brought from home. But Sunday morning it did not cool down, in fact, it was 78 degrees when I got up at 5 AM.
I did get to church early and found the building was almost 90 degrees. I opened doors and set up fans and got the air circulating. By the time service began it was 84 degrees inside, but rapidly heating up outside. I am not a summer person. I don’t like the heat. I was miserable, and a bit of a complainer as I waited for everyone to arrive. Then as people started coming in and worship began, my mood changed. Yes, it was hot. Yes, I was uncomfortable. And yes, God was in our midst. I shifted my focus from me to Him and stood amazed at the change that came over me. I began to praise – and even laugh!
I think that is why the Scriptures remind us to “forget not all his benefits.” It is so easy for circumstances to enable us to do just that – forget. The Spirit of God inspired David to write Psalm 103. In that song David reminds us to remember God’s benefits, and then begins to list them. One follows another, forgiveness, healing, redemption and love, satisfaction and renewal—and that is just the first stanza.
Read Psalm 103 today. Read it slowly and savor its wonders. Count the benefits contained therein. How many have you been blessed with?
“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits….” [Ps 103:1-2 NIV]
