Never Forget the Good Things God Has Done

Bible Reading

• Psalm 103
• Colossians 4

Devotional Thoughts

What is going to produce unity?  In Philippians we looked at the theme of unity.  Chapter 2 talks about the motivation for choosing to live with the same attitude of Christ:

Phil 2:1-5 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and one purpose.  

Psalm 103:3-12 David lays out all that God has done for us.  As he reflects on God’s incredible mercies, he says, “Let ALL THAT I AM praise the Lord!  May I NEVER FORGET the good things God does for me.”  Here’s just a few of the things he mentions:

• Ps 103:3 He forgives my sins
• Ps 103:4 He he crowns me with love and tender mercies
• Ps 103:5 He fills my life with good things.
• Ps 103:8 The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love
• Ps 103:10 He does not punish us for all our sins. He does not deal harshly with us as we deserve
• Ps 103:12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west

Romans 12:1 reminds us, that because of these incredible mercies, it’s only reasonable that we should consider our lives as a LIVING sacrifice, ready and available for him to use for the good works that he has planned.  (Eph 2:10)

As I reflected on these truths, it brought me back to the video series by Peace Maker Ministries titled, “Resolving Every Day Conflict.”  I like how he describes Jesus parable in Matthew 18:21-35 about the unforgiving servant.  After being forgiven more than he could ever repay in a life time (the speaker in the video compared the debt to the US national debt!), the servant goes out and demands $18 from someone who owed him, and when he isn’t able to pay, has them thrown in jail.  This is so often how we treat our fellow believers, and even unbelievers.  Reading through Psalm 103 I am reminded just how much we are forgiven.  What SHOULD that produce?  We should be like David, “ “Let ALL THAT I AM praise the Lord! May I NEVER FORGET the good things God does for me.” (Ps 103:1-2)

As believers, who have been forgiven so much, may we never forget!  When are the times we are prone to forget?  

• When I don’t get what I want
• When someone doesn’t act the way I think they should
• When someone doesn’t think the way I do, or agree with me about something I think is important

I am sure there are other times too.  The grace of God and reflecting on his mercy should give us the ability to live out Colossians 4:5-6 “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”