Forget Not All His Benefits

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—" Psalm 103:2 (NIV)

Psalm 103 begins with David speaking to his own soul, reminding himself to praise the Lord and remember His goodness. He goes on to list God's many benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, compassion, and unfailing love.

I was reminded of the importance of remembering God's goodness during a particularly difficult season of my life. For nearly a year, I faced one medical concern after another. Each new symptom led to another test and the possibility of yet another disease. Having already experienced the devastating loss of both my parents much too young, I found myself anticipating the worst.

That year became a cycle of fear followed by thankfulness. Each time I faced another test, I wrestled with the possibility of bad news. And each time the results came back negative, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and relief. God was faithful through it all, even when I struggled to find peace.

During that season, I memorized Psalm 103. Whenever fear began to rise, I would recite the verses in my mind, reminding myself of God's goodness, compassion, and unfailing love. Rather than allowing my thoughts to spiral toward the worst-case scenario, I learned to redirect them to the truth of His Word. God gave me courage and gradually helped me overcome the fears that had held me captive for so long.

Looking back, I realize how easily we can become consumed by what might happen and forget what God has already done. Remembering His faithfulness in the past strengthens our trust in Him for the uncertainties of tomorrow.

Following the Lord doesn't mean we will be spared every hardship, but it does mean we never face those hardships alone. We have the assurance of His presence, the comfort of His Word, and the hope of His unfailing love.

Today, I believe God has given me victory over my fears of sickness and death. Fear may still surface from time to time, but it no longer has the hold on me that it once did. God's Word has been a powerful weapon in that battle, and I am so grateful for the courage and peace He has given me.

Praise God for His faithfulness! May we never forget His benefits or take for granted the countless ways He cares for us.

What are some ways God has shown His faithfulness to you in the past? Is there a passage of Scripture you can commit to memory and call upon when fear or uncertainty begins to take hold of your heart?