Psalm 103:1-7
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and do not forget all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the Pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
5 who satisfies you with good as long as you live
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord works vindication
and justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses,
his acts to the people of Israel.
1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
Why do we exist? We exist to give glory to God, our Creator. It’s just that simple, and just that difficult.
Why is it difficult? Because we are human beings who have an innate desire to put ourselves in the place of God. We don’t like to be told what to do, or to submit to authority of any kind. So we argue and struggle and “kick against the goads”. This, of course, keeps our minds and spirits in turmoil, and keeps us at odds with each other all the time.
What does giving glory to God look like? It’s different for every created thing. Plants and animals, rivers and trees, give glory to God by being what they were created to be. The same is true for us. God is most fully glorified when we are using all of our gifts, talents, and intellect to live at peace with each other, with God, and with creation. It’s just that simple, and just that difficult.
Prayer: God, Our Creator, may I live only to bless your Holy Name at all times and in all circumstances. AMEN