Psalms 103Sample

The Antidote to Forgetfulness

Why do we often fail to praise the Lord? Because we forget His benefits. One of the evils of the human psyche (the soul and the mind) is that we tend to forget the good things and remember the bad things. Some people can receive a hundred compliments, “You look great. You look beautiful. You are so smart.” But if one time they get, “You are a loser,” that will stick. We are tempted to remember the bad instead of the good. 

If your mind is centered on the blessings and mercies you receive, you will be a happier person. But if you are centered on the injustices that you have received you will soon become a bitter person.

What is the antidote for forgetfulness? You must preach to yourself frequently—every week, almost every day. Who is Psalm 103 addressed to? It is not a prayer; it is not addressed to God. It is not addressed to other people. David is talking to himself. It is as if he is looking to himself in the mirror saying, “Oh, soul, worship the Lord, praise the Lord, don’t forget all His blessings, all His benefits.” That is key.

The main issue behind all our problems is that we don’t remember the gospel. If there is any scripture in the Old Testament that clearly describes the gospel it is verses 10 to 12 in Psalm 103, where King David says God does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far He has removed our transgressions from us.

Think for a moment on this metaphor. You can stand here and look to the East and travel East for 5 miles, for 50 miles or 5000 miles and you’ll never reach the West—they are infinitely separate. And what David is trying to say is that when God forgives you, He removes those sins. They are definitely gone; they can never come back. Such is God’s forgiveness.

To live all the great things the gospel brings, we must not forget them. Get in the mirror and preach to yourself. Our everyday walk is fueled by faith. And the only way we can get our faith revived is through hearing the Word of God.