Book 4 (Psalms 90–106)

Psalm 103 – Thanksgiving for God’s goodness

Let’s begin our time of studying God’s Word with prayer:

Gracious Heavenly Father, be with us as we come together to study your Word, and also protect our loved ones who are not with us. Through the Holy Spirit open our hearts and our ears so that we may be nurtured and sustained by your Word that is spoken through the psalms. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Last month we looked at Psalm 90, a psalm that is attributed to Moses.

Today we will look at Psalm 103. It is attributed to King David.

Please take turns reading Psalm 103 a verse at a time.

As you both read and listen to it, what spikes your interest? Are there words that are confronting or distressing? Where do you find comfort in this psalm?

This psalm is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving to God for the wonders that he has done.

Re-read verses 1 and 2.

Do these words remind you of any hymns or contemporary songs?

In these opening verses the psalmist encourages us to look outside ourselves and to acknowledge God the Lord in his majesty and power. This is what is meant by the phrase “bless the Lord”.

The psalmist is so excited that he wants his whole being to bless God’s holy name.

What does it mean to you to “bless the Lord”? How does expressing gratitude impact your spiritual life, and how can you cultivate a heart of thanksgiving?

In the opening verses, the psalmist emphasises the soul’s role in blessing the Lord.

How can worship and praise contribute to your relationship with God, and how can it be a source of strength in challenging times?

Verse 2 speaks of forgetting not all of God’s benefits.

What specific benefits have you experienced in your life that you can thank God for? How does remembering these moments shape your faith?

Read again verses 3–5.

These three verses repeat the word “who” a few times. And it is amazing what this “who” does. He forgives, he heals, he redeems from the pit, he crowns with steadfast love and mercy, and he satisfies with good things.

So, who is the “who”? And what is the outcome?

“Your youth is renewed like the eagle’s”. What a wonderful blessing and promise!

Does this remind you of another verse? Please read Isaiah 40:30,31

You may not be aware of this, but an eagle needs to be rejuvenated if it wants to be at the top of its game. At certain times it will preen it feathers and sharpen its talons/claws and beak on a rock, so that it can fly higher and eat its prey in a clean way. The eagle can also represent us, if the Holy Spirit does not compel us to dwell on, meditate upon God’s Word, our own flying capability will be hindered. Interesting how God teaches us through his Word in conjunction with his creation.

Read again verses 6–14.

In verse 6, the psalmist now widens the scope of the psalm and praises God for the grace and mercy that he has showered upon the people of Israel throughout history.

Who does God show his grace and mercy to?

In verse 7, the psalmist brings in the history of Israel by making mention of Moses and the Israelite nation.

What stories do you think the psalmist is thinking about? I’ll just mention the ten plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. Can you think of others?

Verse 8 is a foundational verse for this psalm, and for the life of Israel in general. It alludes back to a confession that is found in Exodus 34:6. Exodus 34:6 spoken by God, the great I AM, to Moses, after Moses had led the children of Israel out of slavery and into the wilderness. It is the cornerstone confession of the Old Testament. It has been mentioned at crucial times in Jewish history.

If you have time, please read Exodus 34:6; Numbers 14:18; Nehemiah 9:17; and Jonah 4:2.

All these verses show that God could not go against the covenant he had made with Israel.

What contrast do you see in verses 8 and 9? In the New Testament, who do these verses remind you of? As Christians, is it possible for us to grow to be more like God in how we express both love and anger towards others? Why or why not?

Verse 9 then leads into verse 10. In verse 9 we are reminded that God will not always accuse us nor keep his anger forever. In verse 10, the psalmist states that God does not deal with us according to our sins or repay us for iniquities.

What do you think this means? Ask your pastor for help if needed.

Then we go to verses 11–13. The psalmist uses three analogies to describe the actions of God.

What does each analogy communicate about God, and about the Gospel?

In verse 14, the psalmist acknowledges God has made us by going back to the creation story and that God recognises humanity’s frailty.

Please read Genesis 2:7.

Read again verses 15–18.

In verses 15 and 16, the psalmist then looks at the frailty and the shortness of human life. (This was also mentioned in last month’s Bible study on Psalm 90:5,6.) And yet in verses 17 and 18, we are reminded of the steadfast love of the Lord for those who love him.

Considering what we read about humanity in Psalm 103:14–-16, why should God’s everlasting love be so significant to us?

Read again verses 19–22.

In verse 19, the psalmist recognises that the Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom is everywhere. He recognises that God’s goodness and greatness are as wide as the world. The psalmist recognises that God is the universal ruler, and whose throne cannot be touched by enemies.

Please read Psalm 8:6; Psalm 24; Psalm 29:10. Do we recognise God’s sovereignty in our life? Or do we only turn to him when the wheels have fallen off our life?

In the closing three verses, the psalmist calls on all creation, from the angelic to the heavenly hosts to all humanity and animals to worship and to bless the Lord. This is a huge event.

Why is it important to see worship as a collective, community event? As opposed to an individual event, done in isolation?

Have you ever been to an event like a District Synod or General Synod worship service where there are 400–500 people worshipping together? How did it make you feel?

The last phrase of this psalm is a repeat of the first phrase that was used: “Bless the Lord, O my soul”. The psalmist is reminding himself that he still needs to bless the Lord from his inmost being.

As we close this study: Do you have any other thoughts? Did you learn something new?

Homework: How will you use this new-found wisdom in your everyday life?

Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father, we thank you for being with us as we have studied your Word. Be with us as we go back into community and everyday life. Lord, we ask that you are with Pastor Glenn Crouch as he prepares the studies for December and January. And be with Lutheran Women of Australia as they start thinking about the Bible studies for next year. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

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