It’s like coming home . . . it’s touching back down on familiar ground. For the thirsty soul, it’s finding the well. For the overflowing soul, it’s finding the words that express the feeling. For the one who has somewhat lost their way, it’s hitting “home” on the spiritual GPS . . . and for the one who’s never lost sight of the path it’s the glorious reminder of the benefits of traveling in “the Way.” Whatever the frame of reference when approaching Psalm 103 . . . whatever the circumstances surrounding someone who turns again to this portion of Holy Writ . . . the emotions are stirred . . . inventory is taken . . . thanksgiving is rekindled . . . and desire to obey “the command” is set aflame. “Bless the Lord!” And when one obeys the command, that person joins a chorus that transcends this terrestrial realm . . . they take a seat in a choir loft that reaches beyond these skies . . . they are in the company of angels!

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, O you His angels, you mighty ones who do His word, obeying the voice of His word! Bless the LORD, all His hosts, His ministers, who do His will! Bless the LORD, all His works, in all places of His dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul! (Psalm 103:19-22 ESV)

What a glorious task is given the reader . . . or more precisely, the reader’s soul. This is not some outward going through of the motions. No this is gut-based, heartfelt, say it like you mean it worship. And it is fueled by “forgetting not all His benefits” (103:2b). Sin forgiven . . . diseases healed . . . life redeemed from the pit . . . crowned with steadfast love . . . satisfied with the goodness of God . . . youth renewed like the eagle’s (103:3-5) . . . Bless the Lord, O my soul!

The fire of praise is stoked as the glory of God, which was revealed to Moses on the mount (Exodus 32:18-23, 33:5-8), is revealed again to us . . . generating a renewed sense of awe . . . “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (103:8). And that love is directed toward us, those who fear Him . . . it removes our sins as far as the east is from the west . . . it pours out the compassion of God upon we who are but dust (103:11-14).

And it is this dust . . . formed into jars of clay . . . which God, through the inspired song of the psalmist, invites to join a glorious company in giving Him glory.

He calls upon the angels, those mighty creatures created to be in His presence, to bless the Lord. To all the hosts . . . myriads upon myriads of holy beings ministering at the footstool of the King and doing His bidding upon this earth . . . He says, “Bless the Lord.” All creation in all dominions are rallied together to the lift up a collective voice extolling the glory of His Triune nature and the wonder of His forever lasting works. And amidst that great multitude of praising beings, I’m asked too to add my small voice . . . to engage my “work in progress” being . . . to lift my soul, to the best of my ability and through the help of the resident Spirit of God . . . and sing with all my might, “Bless the Lord!”

In the company of angels. When I am blessing the Lord . . . when I lift my voice in praise . . . when I bow my knee in reverence . . . when I go facedown in worship . . . then be reminded, my soul, you are in the company of angels! Awesome!

For His glory alone . . . amen!