Songs of the Soul: A Lent DevotionalSample

Psalm 103 is a psalm of thanksgiving. In these verses, I am reminded of God's Character and Actions to be thankful for: the forgiveness of my sins, redeeming my life out of destructiveness, His Lovingkindness, and Tender Mercies that are new every morning.

However, I am also reminded of my tendency to forget all His Benefits. A few weeks ago, the lesson at Kids’ Club came from Luke 17, the healing of the 10 lepers. The one thing I wanted the kids to learn from the lesson was to be the person who says, "Thank You, God". It is such a simple concept, yet in Luke, they were all healed. But they forgot to bless the Lord, and only one person thanked Him. I, too, can forget to truly "Bless the Lord" from within.

We currently have a two-year-old foster child, and when she spontaneously says "dank you" with a huge grin, I melt. Her gratitude evokes pure joy in me. I wonder if this is why the psalmist is reminding us to bless the Lord. God does not need anything, He is complete. However, He deserves our action and attitude of "blessing the Lord, oh my soul and all that is within me bless His Holy Name".

“Soul” comes from the Hebrew word “nephesh”, meaning a living being. In Greek, “soul” comes from “psuche” (breath–God-breathing) and is the root of the English words “psyche” and “psychology.” In both languages, it indicates the vital breath of life. ​My soul, therefore, is the true self, the depths of​ my being, the “who ​I am”, the very heart​ of which I am made​, my emotions​ and desires. It speaks of everything within me​. ​The “who I am” praises God’s Holy Name and says “thank You” daily.

Today, let’s pause and be thankful from our inmost being and give spontaneous thank-Yous to the Lord throughout our day.

Shannon Hilliard
Marvel Ministry

Prayer:
Lord, today, instead of giving You my list of needs and wants, I want to pause and thank You from my innermost being, my soul. I am deeply grateful that You have redeemed my life, that Your Steadfast Love and Mercies are new every morning, and that You choose to satisfy us with good. I bless You, Lord, with all I am. Thank You for renewing me.