Psalm 103:1 “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”
For some time I have been fascinated and intrigued by the Bible’s reference to “my soul” and the many times it is also referred to in the songs we sing at church. Our wonderful song leader Paul Hayes always finds meaningful and Biblical songs for us to sing that honor God. Frequently those selections include lyrics about our souls such as these words from “Ten Thousand Reasons.”
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before, O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name
Also the lyrics to “How Great Thou Art” say something very similar; “then sings my soul...”
So, how do we really bless the Lord with our soul, or sing with our soul? When Jesus spoke of the greatest commandment He said we are to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” In referring to this verse Adam Clarke gives these comments. “He loves God with all his soul, or rather, εν ολη τη ψυχη, with all his life, who is ready to give up life for his sake - to endure all sorts of torments, and to be deprived of all kinds of comforts, rather than dishonor God: - who employs life with all its comforts, and conveniences, to glorify God in, by, and through all: - to whom life and death are nothing, but as they come from and lead to God, From this Divine principle sprang the blood of the martyrs, which became the seed of the Church. They overcame through the blood of the Lamb, and loved not their lives unto the death. See Rev 12:11" Matthew Henry adds these thoughts.
“All our love is too little to bestow upon him, and therefore all the powers of the soul must be engaged for him, and carried out toward him.”
It seems that our “soul” really refers to our entire being. Oh, to be engaged in such an intense and beautiful way in our love and devotion to God, which of course will include the singing of our soul towards Him with “the utmost fervor.” Jamison Fawcett and Brown
Psalm 146:1 “Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul!”
Ladies, we will not be starting our Bible study on worry until next week October 8th. I am scheduled for surgery on my wrist this Thursday morning so that is the reason for the delay. I’m sure looking forward to being together again with all of you as we meet in person at Harborview Fellowship. Thank you for your patience.