Praise God With Your Whole Heart

Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things God does for me. Psalm 103:1-2

David refused to worship God half-heartedly. He commanded his entire being to lift praises to the Lord. He didn’t simply sing when his emotions ran high or when blessings flowed easily.

David directed himself to remember and respond, even when distractions or discouragement attempted to silence his song. He said, May I never forget the good things of God.

The way he opened this Psalm challenges us. How often do we praise God shallow or conditional praises? David modeled complete devotion, reminding us that worship engages our entire selves.

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. And He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! Psalm 103:3-5

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We sing songs like ‘Count Your Blessings.’ But David went a step beyond counting blessings. In those verses, he reminisced about the benefits God provides for us. Look at the benefits he named.

Forgiveness of sins – He completely cleanses us of our guilt and shame.
Healing of diseases – God’s restoration touches our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Redemption from death – He rescues us from destruction and eternal separation.
Crowning with love and mercy – He restores our dignity through His compassion.
Filling life with good things – He offers satisfaction that nourishes us deeply.
Renewal like the eagle’s strength – He provides vitality to soar above all weariness.

Forgetfulness robs us of joy. David knew the human heart tends to dwell on problems and neglect God’s goodness. By rehearsing God’s benefits, he stirred his gratitude.

God’s Righteous Justice

We can do the same. A journal of answered prayers, a habit of thanksgiving, or simply pausing during the day. Take time to recall the blessings of God, keeping our hearts alive with praise.

The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. Psalm 103:6-7

God doesn’t ignore oppression. He acts with righteousness. David remembered the story of the Exodus, when God rescued His people.

The Lord revealed His law through Moses and displayed mighty acts for Israel’s freedom. His assurance still speaks today. In a world scarred by injustice, God’s people can trust His heart.

His righteousness brings hope to the broken and accountability for the oppressor. As followers of Christ, we can reflect His justice through compassion and obedience to the truth. David declared.

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. Psalm 103:8-10

In these verses lies the gospel in seed form. God’s nature overflows with mercy. His patience stretches far beyond human limits. And His love abounds, not in small measure but in fullness.

David entered into praise as he illustrated the compassionate love of God with some breathtaking images.

For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. Psalm 103:11-13

Praise God for His Compassionate Love

These pictures reveal the complete forgiveness of God and the depth of His love. His mercy towers higher than the heavens. In other words, higher than we can measure.

The east never meets the west, just as when God forgives our sins, they will never return. His tenderness resembles the embrace of a compassionate and respected father.

For anyone weighed down with guilt or shame, these verses announce freedom. For anyone afraid of God’s anger, they speak peace. Maybe you need to take a moment to praise God.

For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. Psalm 103:14-16

David gave us a sobering reminder, highlighting our frailty. Human strength fades quickly, like grass that flourishes briefly and then withers. Life swiftly passes by.

But then David contrasted our weakness with God’s steadfastness. He compared our frailty and brevity with God, who offers eternity to those who obey His commandments.

But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments! Psalm 103:17-18

The psalmist continued his thoughts to the one who reigns forever. He summoned all of heaven and earth to join in praise to God.

Praise God, you angels, you mighty ones who carry out his plans, listening for each of his commands.
Yes, praise God, you armies of angels who serve him and do his will!
Praise God, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Psalm 103:20-22

Let Every Corner of Creation Praise God

Our worship and praise to God swell from individual to universal. From David’s soul to angels, and from Israel to creation itself. Every voice joins in a chorus of praise to the King of kings.

Finally, David circled back to where he began: “Let all that I am praise the Lord.” Psalm 103:22

Make Psalm 103 alive in your life as you follow its roadmap for your daily devotions.

Command your soul to praise God. Don’t wait for the right circumstances or emotions. Direct your heart into worship.
Remember the Lord’s benefits. Keep His blessings fresh in your mind. Recount His forgiveness, healing, and renewal.
Rest in the compassion of the Lord. Receive His mercy fully. Let His forgiveness remove all of your guilt and shame.
Acknowledge your frailty. Live humbly and dependent on God’s strength and grace.
Trust His rule. Remember that His throne stands above every power and circumstance.
Join creation’s praise to God. See yourself as part of a greater chorus exalting His holy name.

Oh God, we join with David and declare our praise to you. In fact, Lord, let all that I am praise your glorious name!