For many of us, when we reflect on redemption we understand it to define our eternal fate and we look forward to the glorious day when we see Jesus face-to-face. Yet, in Psalm 103, King David reminds us that the theme of redemption isn’t just about securing our eternity by getting our ticket punched for heaven and waiting out this life. There are benefits to redemption right here and now that we have access to and can claim for our life. Here are just some of them:

² Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:

Although there’s some truth to the redeeming power that transpires when someone crosses the line of faith and gets their “ticket” punched for eternity, when it’s reduced to just that, we miss so much more that God offers. We end up living below what we’re created to live for.

³ Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,

God isn’t about just bringing us up to “zero-base” level through redemption. We need healing through our spirit, soul, and body and Jesus is our healer!

⁴ Who redeems your life from destruction,

You don’t have to live on barely getting by, just hanging on until the life to come. There is abundant life offered to us. Through all life brings, we’re created to live victoriously through it all.

Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,

Each morning God’s mercies are renewed! There are oceans of God love poured out on us.

¹² As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.

Infinity in both directions display how far our sins have been removed. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west and this is the multiple-layered image used to describe how far our transgressions are and how much our life is changed by God.

Take some time today to read through Psalm 103 and claim one of these benefits that you need to be reminded of most.