Ready:
"My soul, bless the LORD, and do not forget all his benefits.” —Psalm 103:2
Set:
The 2026 World Cup is in the final days. Thirty-nine days of play with players from 48 countries. For many of them, this will be one of the biggest moments of their lives. The benefits of getting to come to America and to play are great. For some, truly a once in a life-time opportunity. The expected number of fans, from all over the world, is above 5 million. They too will experience benefits and blessings by being here in the US.
All of these blessings and benefits are a real example and picture of who God is and how he operates. He is the One who brings benefit and blessing. In the beginning, with Adam and Eve, God blessed them. Later with Abraham, God blessed him, and said that through this blessing, and through Abraham, nations would be blessed. These blessings were direct benefits from God to people. The Scripture from Psalm 103:2, written by David shows that he knew by experience the direct benefits that came from God. He wanted to give blessing and praise to God for them, and he reminded himself (and us today) to remember those blessings.
The remainder of Psalm 103 lists just a few of those benefits. These benefits are still with us today. There’s nothing we can do to earn them because God is a God who gives benefits and blessings, because He loves, care about us, and wants us to receive these good things from Him.
Read through Psalm 103 and see the benefits. Anyone have sins in their lives? He forgives. Anyone need healing from sickness and disease? He heals. The ultimate healing is when we arrive in heaven where there are no disease and no sickness. Anyone need to be rescued and redeemed from death? Jesus defeated death on the cross and now He gives eternal life to any who come and believe in Him. God also puts a crown of love and mercy on our heads. This is the great action of how we live with and treat others. Lastly, he wants our life, our soul, to be satisfied with good, which renews our daily strength.
Can you grasp how great these benefits are that come from God?
Go:
What benefits have you received from being on your team? How did those benefits make you feel?
Have you considered the benefits of the Lord? Pick one from the verses above and give thanks and praise to God for it.
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, thank You so much for all the benefits and blessings You have given me. I am truly thankful. Help me not forget these benefits. In Jesus’ name, amen.”