The purpose of praise

Psalm 103:2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits;

I.                   It is praise to God

            “Blessed the Lord.” The Lord gives life and sustains it. We live, move, and have our life in him. We should praise Him for every good and perfect gift. We should praise Him for all physical and spiritual blessings. The Lord is worthy of all praise from all the people in all the earth.

II.                It is praise from the soul

“O my soul.” The praise uttered here comes from a full heart. It is a very expression of the soul. The praise expressed here is from all the faculties and powers of the being. It expresses all that can come from the intellect, the feeling and the will of a grateful personality. This praise is the voice of the sincere soul. Such praise will lift the soul into the very presence of God.

III.             It is praise for Benefit

“Forget not all his benefit.” Praise the Lord for all he does for us in the physical and the spiritual realms. Study the seven benefits of the Lord mentioned in Psalm 103:3-6. He forgives our sins and saves our souls and we become children of his. He is the great physician and can heal all the diseases of the body when it is in accord with his Holy will. He preserves life, crowns with loving-kindness, supplies every good thing that life needs, and gives continually the strength we need. How gracious is the Lord! What benefits to have Him always! Praise Him! Bless His name.