My last post reflected on God’s silence.

There has been silence in my writing for a season. However, even when words haven’t come easily my heart, mind and soul have not been silent. Changes brings questions, which brings prayers and a need for His word. And…memorizing scripture. Admittedly, hiding His word in my heart seems to be seasonal more than disciplined. Any scripture

that is memorized and can be spoken at will, when needed, is invaluable. There is one passage that flows the easiest through my heart, lately. It can be recalled in the middle of the night when sleep is elusive. It has been spoken aloud, while hiking, to tame racing thoughts. It has been whispered when doubt assaults my spirit. It beacons with sweetness and hope. Perhaps you know it, too:

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)

At times, verse 2 is as far as it gets. Bless the Lord, O my soul. My soul….still can be full of fear and the tangle of anxiety. My soul…walled in by dread or confusion. These verses draw out the soul to praise and bless the Lord. To bring it to a place of worship, no matter the real and imagined challenges of life.

Other days, the whole beautiful passage comes forth. Life-giving words. When my ears and heart hear it afresh and I pin down my heart and mind to the promises, then sweet moments of peace push back any swirl of thoughts, whether dark or confused or questioning. The thoughts are no match for forgiveness and healing promises. Promises fulfilled now on the cross can deal their blow.

Try it. Let the promises of His redemption of His crown of love and mercy battle your thoughts. Let the promises of His goodness and renewal Oh wonder bring peace and assurance! Tell your soul to grab hold of them. O Soul! Cling to the promises! Soul, think on these life-giving thoughts until they are bound faith abounds!

I praise You my Father for your wondrous benefits! My Father, I lift my soul in praise that You are a God who is separate and holy. I thank You for Your benefits. Oh, may I not forget them. I humbly believe and receive You as the One who forgives…heals…redeems…crowns…satisfies…. renews.

Oh, Bless You, Lord, O my soul!

aslammers