The Lord’s Benefits
by Gemma Gardner
Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about the Lord’s benefits, as He has brought me through a long time of trial. King David lists some of the Lord’s benefits in the above verses from Psalm 103. Perhaps King David was having a down time when he wrote it, because he was telling himself not to forget what the Lord had done for him. It really helps when we can bring to mind all those times when the Lord has helped and blessed us.
I’m so glad that the Lord has promised to forgive all my sins. I fail Him so many times, and yet, when I come to Him in repentance and confess my sin and ask for His forgiveness, He welcomes me, and never refuses to forgive me. I have His promise in 1 John 1:9.
He heals all my diseases. I had an operation last year, and it’s truly amazing how the surgeons have been given such skill. My operation was a success, but no surgeon has the power to heal. Only God can do that. God causes our bodies to mend, when they’re broken, but He also can heal broken hearts and wounded spirits, when we come to Him.
Only Jesus had the power to redeem us from death. He took on the punishment we all deserved, and now we can be clothed in His righteousness. What’s more, all authority has been given to Jesus in heaven and in earth, so we’re safe in His hands.
‘He crowns me with love and tender mercies and fills my life with good things’ (Verse 4). We also read this in other parts of the Bible, such as ‘No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who put their trust in Him’ (Psalm 37:4). Sometimes we have to wait for our desires to be fulfilled, but if we delight in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart.
‘He renews my youth like the eagle’s’ (Verse 5). The apostle Paul said that, outwardly, we’re wasting away, but inwardly we’re being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). So, with the Lord, we have a future and a hope, even in old age, because we know that one day Jesus is going to return and take us to be with Him, if He hasn’t called us home before that great day.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for all the wonderful things You have done for me. I thank You that I have a future and a hope in You, and that Your plans for me are always good, no matter how bad my circumstances may be. Please help me never to forget all that You’ve done for me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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