“Bless the LORD, O my soul” (v.1). The psalmist opens by addressing God on a personal level. He is praising God for what He does and for who He is. As we read this psalm, we discover why God is so wonderful.

He is the merciful Savior (vv.8-12). God in His grace gives us what we don’t deserve and in His mercy doesn’t give us what we do deserve. But He does have a holy temper, and we must not provoke Him by deliberately sinning.

He is the tender Father (vv.13-18). He is tender because He knows we are made of dust. We are frail. We‘re temporary, like a flower that soon fade and dies. Our response to God’s tenderness should be praised and obedience.

He deserves universal praise (vv.19-22). Why do we praise Him? Because His throne is secure. We praise Him because we can keep His commandments, serve Him and praise Him. We praise Him because His works are so wonderful, and He’s allowed us to be a part of them

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The psalm ends the way it begins—on a personal level. “Bless the LORD, O my soul.” Follow the Psalmist lead and praise God for His wonderful attributes and deeds.