Psalm 103:1-5

1Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
-Psalm 103:1-5

You may recognize this passage from the song 10,000 Reasons. There is a conversation that is going on in this with the self. In fact, I think it is an important conversation to have with yourself. Sometimes, we are just not in it. We wake up tired, work gets long, and the idea of giving praise to the Lord is exhausting in it of itself. I take a lesson from this psalm in how to deal with that.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul!" I may say to myself. In prayer, as I enter to praise, I confess that I am not in it but I will praise regardless of my emotion. This is the important lesson we must garner from this. Regardless on how it is we may feel, we must find reason to praise. Praise God for His forgiveness, His healing, the redemption of your soul, His lovingkindness and mercy, and the satisfaction He brings. As you praise, you are renewed in strength. Give praise today despite what your emotions may be telling you. Bring your flesh into submission and rejoice in the Lord your God.