Renewing Rest

Published on by arecordofgraces

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;

Psalm 103:1-4

If the Lord redeemed us through salvation from utter destruction, He meant from all destruction, not just from eternity in darkness and hell. Why then, do I often inflict on myself the mental and emotional wrecking ball of doubt, guilt, and insecurity? All throughout Psalm 103, David was renewing and resting his trust in God.

  • He gives good things.
  • His is merciful and gracious.
  • He does not always chide.
  • He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west.
  • He remembers we are dust.

In thinking over the topic of “Renewal” (March’s #gracegoals2019 theme), verse 5 in Psalm 103 stands out, “Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s”. I am reminded of eagles when they molt, or shed their feathers. They get rid of old, weighty feathers to make way for newer ones which renews their strength and ability to soar.

Renewing our ability to rest in God and the work He has done for our righteousness takes a ‘molting’ or shedding of old behaviors which limit our growth in Christ. Rejecting feelings of guilt over sin or of things not done right in the past which God has forgiven us for is part of that. Moving away from comparing our lives to someone else’s and parting with the ‘I’m not good enough’ self-talk is freeing a heavy weight that keeps us from moving forward. There is no renewal, there is no rest when we listen to a voice contrary to what God says in the Bible.

To renew: to resume after an interruption; to re-establish; to give fresh life to

Whatever interrupted the ability to rest in God, whatever needs to be re-established for a firmer faith, whatever needs a new perspective and fresh life, God already has that covered under the blood. Remembering God’s example of favor, of grace, of forgiveness, and of sympathy will help regain strength and faith through God who delights to give good things, and who chooses to crown us with lovingkindness and mercy (Psalm 103:4). From the beginning of Psalm 103, with his soul and everything in him, David gave honor to God. A good place to start ‘molting’ is to begin at the beginning by glorifying God, by recognizing all His benefits on our behalf, and by accepting His renewing rest.

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.

Psalm 103:1,2
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