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Devotional 10.23.26


October 23 – Worship Begins With Remembering 

Psalm 103:1–5

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

 

Scripture Reading – Judges 7

Psalm 103:1–5 calls us to worship the Lord with our whole being, remembering His benefits: forgiveness, healing, redemption, steadfast love, and the renewal of our strength. Worship begins when we remember who God is and what He has done for us. As we gather Sunday, we come not because we have earned His favor, but because He is gracious and worthy of our praise.

In Judges 7, we will see God deliver Israel from the Midianites through Gideon and a remarkably small army. God deliberately reduced Gideon’s forces so Israel could not boast that its own strength had secured the victory. The Lord wanted His people to recognize that deliverance comes from Him alone. This story reminds us that God does not depend on our resources, abilities, or numbers to accomplish His purposes. As we prepare to worship, may we come humbly, trusting in His power rather than our own, and remembering that our greatest confidence rests in the faithful God who saves and sustains His people.

The songs we sing Sunday will direct our hearts toward God's sovereignty, Christ's victory, and His abundant grace. “The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours)” reminds us that God's kingdom, power, and glory belong to Him, inviting us to surrender our desires to His will. “You’ve Already Won” points us to Christ's victory over sin and death, giving us confidence even when we face uncertainty or fear. Like Gideon’s army, we do not ultimately depend on our own strength; our hope rests in the Lord. “All Sufficient Merit” celebrates that Christ alone is sufficient for our salvation—we cannot earn what He has freely provided. “Doxology” calls us to give all praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Finally, “Goodness of God” invites us to remember God's enduring faithfulness throughout our lives. Together, these songs prepare us to worship with humility, gratitude, confidence, and wholehearted praise.

Further reading: Exodus 14:10–14; 1 Corinthians 1:26–31; 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

Reflection Questions:

1.     Where are you tempted to rely on your own strength, abilities, or resources rather than trusting God to work?

2.     As you prepare for Sunday worship, what specific acts of God's forgiveness, faithfulness, and goodness can you remember and praise Him for?

 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your steadfast love, faithful provision, and saving grace. Forgive me for the times I depend more on my own strength than on You. As I prepare for worship, quiet my heart and help me remember Your goodness and the victory You have accomplished through Jesus Christ. Teach me to trust You in my weakness and to give You all the glory. May my worship be sincere, my heart be grateful, and my life reflect Your grace. In Jesus' name, amen.

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