Healthy Self-talk
Psalm 103:1 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”
Read: Psalm 103:1-14
Our journey through life is often filled with emotional, physical, mental and spiritual challenges. Not only do we experience high points but we also know of the valley of tears and sorrow. The Lord frequently brings us into dark places to encourage us to walk closer to him. In the valley God teaches us to see our utter wretchedness and, at the same time, his great faithfulness and mercy. Children of God are not left to mope around in their misery. No matter where we are in life, we have reason to bless the Lord, to praise and worship his holy name.
The psalmist recalls the Lord’s grace shown to the church in ages past. As he thinks about God’s deeds of love and grace, his awareness of how God carried him through the ups and downs of his own life is sharpened. He recognizes that he is not always as keen and alert as he ought to be. Paying attention to what God has done as well as the mercy he has shown, changes his perspective on his own troubles and trials. It is as though the author takes himself in hand for a time of healthy self-talk. He may not let 
negative circumstances dictate how he feels, thinks or moves into the future. This is why he says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!” In other words, “Come on my soul! Look at what God has done! Pay attention to all his acts of love and all his benefits.”
Taking this psalm on our lips today we are led to a deeper response of worship, because we have seen so much more of God’s love, mercy and compassion. We know what he has done for us through Christ. Knowing what the Lord has given to us in Christ should lead us to praise him with every fibre of our being.
On regular intervals I, as a child of God, need to engage in healthy self-talk. Blessing the Lord with my whole being will keep me on track as I travel through both the valleys and over the mountains of Christian experience. “Bless the Lord, O my soul!”