It Takes ALL That I Have

“Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name!” — Psalm 103:1, NKJV

I’m sure you’ve heard the expression, “Give it all you’ve got.” Or “You’ve got to give it all you got.”

If so, then that’s precisely what David is implying in Psalm 103:1 when he says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul; And allthat is within me…”

In this Psalm, David is an audience of one encouraging his inward man to deep reverence and adoration for God. He starts expressing his posture before the Lord by saying, “Bless the Lord” — a statement which means adoration with bended knees.[1] — a position of surrender and humility.

Secondly, David offers an invitation to a profound act of worship — the intimacy of soul praise. The psalmist calls upon the depths of his being to praise the Lord and exalt His holy name. It’s not merely a surface-level praise but an intimate communion with the deepest part of oneself. This soulful connection emphasizes the personal relationship each believer has with their Creator.

Next, David displays an all-embracing act of praise by engaging his innermost being. “All that is within me” paints a picture of holistic and all-encompassing praise. It’s not a superficial acknowledgment but a surrender of every facet of one’s existence to the Divine. From the mind to the heart, David urges a complete surrender to the worship of the Almighty.

Finally, David expresses the splendor of God’s name. “Praise His holy name” directs our attention to the sacredness and majesty of God’s identity. In biblical tradition, a name is not just a label but a representation of one’s character and essence. To praise His holy name is to acknowledge the greatness, holiness, and uniqueness of the God we serve.

Is David’s act of worship a part of your daily routine?

As we meditate on this verse today, may it inspire a renewed passion for praising the Lord with our entire being, “giving God ALL we have.”

Join me again next week for Coffee on The Couch.

[1] “H1288 – bāraḵ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (NKJV).” Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 22 Jan. 2024. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h1288/nkjv/wlc/0-1/