Psalm 103:5

Psalm 103:5

Renewed like an eagle

This verse is the culmination of a long sentence that was written to encourage us to remember all the benefits of knowing the Lord. Remember that we were asked, in verse 2, to instruct our souls to “Praise the Lord.” This is a command to our innermost beings and the words that follow, list many of the blessings that He provides for us. Let’s just go through them, including the current verse: -

·      He forgives all our sins

·      He heals all our diseases

·      He redeems our lives from the pit

·      He crowns us with love and compassion

·      He satisfies our desires with good things

·      He renews our youth like the eagle’s

Notice that these “benefits” are our spiritual heritage, remember that we are addressing our souls and souls need reminding that sins are forgiven.  Souls need to be told that diseases can be healed or else our sick bodies can lead to sick minds. We need to inform our souls that they will survive death and not be swallowed up by Sheol, and that love and compassion are hallmarks of the sovereignty of the Lord. All these benefits produce hope and lift the spirits, whatever may be going on in our lives, the Lord is there to watch over us.

We may be forgiven for thinking that verse 5 justifies the production of a long list of things, to be requested from the Lord, that we might value as being good for us! Most folk would include things of earthly value and that generally make life easier and more enjoyable. But the Scripture is NOT giving us carte blanche to order a new car or kitchen or foreign holiday! The desires that the Lord wants to fulfil are the ones that are good for our souls, and I have to say that the blessings He has poured out on me in a lifetime, far outweigh the temporary pleasures of this world!

Finally, amongst the bird population, eagles live long with an expectation of at least 35 years and some have lived in captivity for much longer. The Lord God wants us to tell our souls that our lives matter, that He will give us many good years and He will consistently renew us so that our strength does not flag, even in old age! “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.

 

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