The lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.
And His righteousness to children’s children,
to those who keep His covenant
and remember to do His commandments ~Psalm 103:17-18
Hello my dear sister!
As I write this, it is a balmy 37 degrees outside, made spectacularly more pleasant by a cloudless sky and sunshine pouring into my kitchen windows. I’ve moved my struggling cyclamen plant into a sunny spot (I just read on the little tab that it likes full sun) and Nutmeg is snoring happily in a sunny patch on the floor. I’ve decided to take a cue and join the plant and dog and enjoy it while it lasts!
Maybe you’re thinking, “what does this have to do with the Scripture verse?” Well, I was reading this Psalm while sitting in the sunshine and thought, “Hey! This would be a great example to write about!” So, now you know my technique.
I love the Psalms, and Psalm 103 is one of my favorites! I can tell because I have nearly all of it highlighted! Since I’m writing to you, my sister, I will even tell you that it’s highlighted in yellow because I was studying verses of protection, comfort and family while expecting my first baby! I didn’t know if the baby was a boy or a girl, so I used a yellow colored pencil. (Besides, yellow is my favorite color). Much of my Bible is color coded, maybe I’ll write about that someday.
Anyway, back to the Psalm! The Psalmist, David, is giving God praise for all of His mercies; exulting in God's everlasting faithfulness, lovingkindnesses and goodness! (Go ahead, read that sentence again out loud to yourself! I don't care if Google doesn't think 'lovingkindnesses' is a word!)
He’s reminding his people to forget none of God’s benefits! Right now, I’m basking in the warmth of God’s sun in the middle of a wintry day and I’m thankful for how it lifts my spirit and energizes me! I’m also thankful to be reminded to appreciate these moments, because they won’t last. In a couple of hours the sun will set and I will have to bundle up again.
David shows us that one great way to remember God’s goodness is to talk (or sing) about it! He starts out by talking to his own soul, encouraging himself. He continues with telling the Lord’s angels, the Lord’s heavenly hosts and finally ALL the works of His, in every place of His dominion, to bless His holy name! I think that’s where we come in, God has dominion in our lives, it is only right to thank and praise Him! Everyday!
On days that it is not sunny, it is only right to remember and thank and praise Him anyway. We are part of His dominion and nothing comes upon us that He doesn’t know about, that He doesn’t allow! I don’t know about you, but that is such a hard concept for me to hang onto. When I feel tempted to despair or wonder where God is in my mess, it’s so important to recall the blessings and the faithfulness that God has showered upon me in the past! (and to also ask if He’s trying to teach me something!)
So, the reason that verse above is highlighted in yellow? Because I want to remember to recount to my children and my childrens’ children what the Lord God has done for me, and done for all who call upon His name, so that generations of Pawlicki’s will be bringing glory to God on the earth until the Lord’s return!
Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Encourage my soul by sharing with me one of your favorite verses of the Psalms!
With love, your sister, Celeste