I think Psalm 103 is one of my favorite Psalms. I am sure I could fill several pages on this special passage. God gave me one new thought as I read it in devotions 2 days ago. Verse 3 says: "...who forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases." Usually this verse is interpreted in terms of physical diseases but let's take a look at it in light of verse 2, which says: "Praise the Lord O my soul and forget not all his benefits...." One might argue that the psalmist who is addressing his soul is referring in verse 3 to healing "diseases of the soul." If this is true, what would diseases of the soul, look like? What comes to my mind are things like, anger, fear, pride, bitterness, greed, lust, etc. These diseases make us sick, perhaps even more than physical sickness. In fact, unchecked, several usually lead to physical sickness. But, how might God go about healing our soul diseases?
The rest of the Psalm helps us understand how God brings healing. He brings us salvation, love, compassion, justice for the oppressed, forgiveness, patience, grace and all manner of good things. When we open our hearts to receive these things we respond with thanksgiving and praise. The Lord is on his throne, and when we praise him, along with his angels and creation, we experience his healing. The Psalmist concludes: "Praise the Lord O my soul." Let's do it.
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