Some of you have questioned my frequency or lack thereof at times with this post. I write this Monday Morning segment as I receive the inspiration. If I am not inspired, I don’t write. I do not write on ahead and if there is nothing stirring in my spirit, I don’t bother to put anything in your inbox. I don’t forget to write, I just have nothing to write. But I have something this morning. Apologize for the length.
In the world in which we live, benefits are extremely important in any job package. In some cases people work a specific job mainly due to the benefits they receive. Unless we use the benefits on a regular basis we may forget all that have been made available for us. They are benefits attached to specific credit cards and many times most of us forget that they are even there. The Psalmist tells us not to forget all His benefits. He writes,
103 Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Emphasis mine)
Doesn’t get much better than that – forgives, heals, redeems crowns, satisfies, and then renews. Personally, I believe there is a divine order to this and they build on one another.
Forgives
- The first key to freedom is to understand that He has forgiven us of all our sins.
- This allows His love to penetrate our hearts.
- This opens our hearts to the possibility that He really does desire to heal us.
Heals
- When we realize how much He loves us, we begin to accept the fact that He paid the price for our healing; spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
- Accepting that reality, we begin to receive His healing power.
Redeems
- As He begins to heal, spiritually, emotionally, and physically, (sometimes He starts with either or) we understand the redeeming power of the Lord!
- Sometimes it is a process, but in the process, we have a greater understanding and experience with the Lord redeeming our lives.
Crowns
- When we realize all that He has saved us from, He crowns us with loving kindness and mercy toward others so that, that which we have received, we can give to someone else.
- It is easy for me to be compassionate for someone else when I realize the mess I was.
- I have tremendous compassion and encouragement for someone who loses a child during pregnancy, having been there myself.
Satisfies
- When we have a healthy attitude toward others, (i.e. tender mercy and loving kindness) our outlook on life changes and we begin to walk in grace toward others. It brings tremendous satisfaction to us and my experience is that somehow our grateful hearts opens up a spiritual door to receiving good things.
Renews
- When life is good, I am energized and I feel young again!
Which one of these benefits have you forgotten this morning? Remember, they are available for the taking! After all, these benefits are for your benefit!!
D.O.V.E.