Remember to praise.
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” – Psalm 103:2
Ever catch yourself talking to yourself? David did it all the time, and here’s a beautiful example. “Praise the Lord, my soul.” He’s having a heart-to-heart with his own heart.
Notice what David doesn’t do. To praise God, he doesn’t wait for goosebumps or angelic choirs. He doesn’t check his mood meter or wait for inspiration to strike. He commands his soul to praise. Sometimes worship is less about feeling and more about deciding.
But here’s the secret sauce—David connects praise to remembering. “Forget not all his benefits.” When we truly see what God has done, gratitude isn’t manufactured; it’s automatic. It flows like water from a spring.
Think about it. Has God forgiven your failures? That’s a benefit. Given you another sunrise? Another benefit. Surrounded you with people who love you? Benefit upon benefit.
David understood something we often miss: praise isn’t a religious requirement we grudgingly fulfill. It’s the natural response of a heart that pays attention to God’s goodness.
So today, talk to your soul. Remind it of God’s benefits. Don’t wait for feelings—make the choice. Remembering Him will lead to rejoicing.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.