Psalm 103
1 Call to praise
David is probably an old man and is looking back at life (verse 5 is an old man’s statement). There are interesting parallels with Psalm 42 & 43. Speaking to yourself and instructing your soul rather than listening to it. “The main problem in the whole matter of “spiritual depression” in a sense is this – we allow our “self” to talk to us instead of “talking to ourself.”” (Martin Lloyd-Jones)
2-5 Do the math
There are six bullet-points. David remembers, first of all, forgiveness. Imagine this adulterer-murderer contemplating all he has been forgiven. God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies and renews. That last statement brings into focus the thinking and feeling of an old man. When I do the math on God’s benefits to me, my strength is renewed.
6-10 Think back
David broadens His thinking here to acknowledge that God’s goodness is not merely personal, but that this is the experience of the nation. I tend to thinking of “complaining and murmuring” when I think of Israel in connection with Moses… and yet God has not dealt with the nation according to their sins… and that is true of me.
11-13 How much? That much!
This is perhaps the heart of the Psalm, which God’s might, forgiveness and lovingkindness are expressed in childlike terms… How high… the highest I can think of… how far? As far as they could possibly go. How much? A motherly father… “this much” (spreading arms as wide as they go).
14-19 My dad is bigger
Man’s frailty and short life-span is contrasted with God’s might and eternality. God knows who we are and what our weaknesses are. He is altogether different from us and with all His eternal goodness, He looks after us.
20-22 Call to praise
David entreats all of creation to join his soul in praising God