Series: Blessed Be
Psalm 103:1 ESV
Psalm 103:2-22 MSG
Ephesians 1:3 ESV
We often ask God to bless us, but we might pause and wonder how often we seek to bless God. We ARE a me culture. It seems like the ‘see me hear me bless me’ culture is self-focused.
The problem with being self-focused is that all we can only see “self”. When we do not fully interact with others we can run the risk of not noticing and learning from different view points.
We can also be self focused when it comes to our relationship with God.
Psalm 103:1 says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”
The simple truth is that while it is important to ask and receive God’s blessing, it is really important to take time to bless God.
It gets the central focus off of ‘us’.
The truth is that God wired the human brain so that offering or recognizing a blessing has a definite impact on how we think and feel.
Something very special happens when we offer a blessing!
Offering a blessing, especially to God reminds us we are part of something greater.
It gives us a renewed sense of purpose.
Recognizing the goodness of God (and others) and being thankful also changes the chemistry in our own brain.
Blessing God (or even saying something positive) and being grateful releases the chemicals of dopamine and serotonin in our brain.
According to WebMD Dopamine is a hormone that releases chemicals into the nervous system. It plays an important role in feeling good and it acts as a reward system.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that sends signals throughout the body. Serotonin can regulate our moods, help us to sleep, regulate our appetite, and gives us a sense of well-being.
While we can increase levels of dopamine and serotonin through exercise, the food we eat, or taking a “pill” we can also increase levels of serotonin and dopamine by being grateful.
The next time you feel down in the dumps, stop and read Psalm 103! As you read it, really focus on God and intentionally think of God and be grateful for what God has done for you. For our purposes we will continue with verse 2. After each thought, stop and think of God.
Psalm 103:2-22, “O my soul, bless God, don’t forget a single blessing.
He forgives your sins—every one. He heals your diseases—every one. He redeems you from hell—saves your life! He crowns you with love and mercy—a paradise crown. He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal. He renews your youth—you’re always young in his presence.
God makes everything come out right; he puts victims back on their feet.He showed Moses how he went about his work, opened up his plans to all Israel.God is sheer mercy and grace; not easily angered, he’s rich in love.He doesn’t endlessly nag and scold, nor hold grudges forever.He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve, nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.As high as heaven is over the earth, so strong is his love to those who fear him.And as far as sunrise is from sunset, he has separated us from our sins.As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear him.He knows us inside and out, keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.Men and women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here.God’s love, though, is ever and always, eternally present to all who fear him,Making everything right for them and their children as they follow his Covenant ways and remember to do whatever he said.
God has set his throne in heaven; he rules over us all. He’s the King!So bless God, you angels, ready and able to fly at his bidding, quick to hear and do what he says.Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever he wills.Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are— everything and everyone made by God.
And you, O my soul, bless God!”
Thinking intentionally about each phrase or sentence will help us to recognize who God is and how God’s goodness is poured out on us.
We can also personally issue a blessing to God daily. In Ephesians 1:3 Paul wrote: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.”
Spiritual Practice: Blessing God
A few times throughout your day, take a second to Bless God.
In God, Deborah
Comments