Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.  Psalm 103:1-5

The psalmist is reflecting on all that God does for us in order to benefit our lives. In John 10:10 Jesus talked about coming that we might have life and have it more abundantly. David, the writer of Psalm 103 details some of the benefits that make for an abundant life. They are: God forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.  Your life is redeemed from hell.  You are given a crown of love and compassion.  He satisfies your desires with good things, and he causes your youth to be renewed like the eagle's, meaning you are always young in his presence.

As we have lived through the past three and a half months, we are amazed at God's healing power. From hardly being able to swallow a little bit of water to now being able to eat an entire meal we stand in wonder at the way God designed our bodies to be able to heal itself.  To know that God not only forgives our sins, He also forgets our sins.

Because He crowns us with love and compassion, we are to reflect these qualities to others. During Paul's surgery and recovery, we were recipients many times. God very much used people to show forth His love and compassion. We all need to be encouraged to look for ways each day to be a channel for God.  You never know what you might do or say that could change someone's life.

Blessings and Encouragement,

Paul and Gail

                                                    Title of painting:  Group Hug

                                                                                    Painting by Gail Palpant