Bless the Lord

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5). 

It is the season of giving thanks. We observe Thanksgiving in November, and December includes the celebration of Jesus’ birth, culminating with a brand-new year. We have much for which to be thankful. We at Bogard Press are thankful for the privilege of providing Christian education resources to the Lord’s churches. We praise God for the opportunity to play a small role in disciple-making across the globe. 

King David was inspired by God to spend time recounting many of the ways God had demonstrated His love toward Israel. God had poured blessings upon His people, forgiving their iniquity, healing their diseases, rescuing their souls from the pit, crowning them with love and mercy and satisfying them with good things so that their strength compared to that of an eagle. How should God’s people respond to His bountiful goodness in their lives? 

David chose to use a form of the Hebrew word for “knee” (berech) to describe a proper grateful response toward God for all His goodness. Barechi—translated “bless”—means to kneel down. In its intensive form, David described a heartfelt moment of praise to God that included a posture of kneeling in deep gratitude. Such is the reasonable human response to the unmatched, unmerited favor of God upon His people. 

This season, may we take the time to express our deep appreciation to God for His holiness and bountiful blessings. When we consider where we would be without God’s intervention, our gratitude to Him becomes increasingly abundant. Let  the overwhelming goodness and love of God drive us to our knees in grateful praise. 

Mark Clements 

Editor in Chief 

Bogard Press