By: Lorraine Eastman, Legacy Pastor
I love leading change. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a new idea come to life — improving something, making it easier, or helping it function better. But it’s a completely different story when we’re the ones being changed. Suddenly, we’re no longer in control of what’s coming next.
Whether those changes are happening in our work environment, personal lives, or even our spiritual walk, not seeing the path ahead can feel unsettling. Like the Israelites wandering in the wilderness, we can begin to feel lost and unsure of God’s direction or leading. In seasons like this, I love to turn to the Psalms for comfort and guidance.
This morning, while reading Psalm 103, I was struck by the thought that sometimes we need to reintroduce ourselves to God. Through that reintroduction process, we can remind ourselves who He truly is — incredibly mighty, merciful, loving, and faithful. David shows us exactly how to do this in Psalm 103.
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” Psalm 103:1-2 (NLT)
David begins by reminding himself to praise the Lord. Praise shifts our focus from our uncertainty to God’s greatness. When we open our hearts in worship, the Holy Spirit reminds us of who God is. David also tells us to remember all the good things God has done for us. Pause for a moment: Search your memory for moments of God’s faithfulness, specific times when you’ve seen God’s goodness. As we recall these moments, we can remember how deeply He loves us.
“He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies.” Psalm 103:3-4 (NLT)
These verses remind us of God’s promise to rescue us. No matter what pit we find ourselves in, He provides a way out. As He rescues us, He doesn’t shame us; He crowns us with love, grace, and mercy. Pause for a moment: Rest in the fact that God not only rescues us, He delights in us.
“He satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:5 (NIV)
Here we see God’s promise to provide for us. The world often tells us to blame God for everything broken in our lives, but Scripture reminds us that God is good. Just as parents long to care for and provide for their children, God desires to give us what we truly need to strengthen our hearts and renew our souls. Pause for a moment: Remember a specific moment when God provided exactly what you needed and how that renewed your soul.
“The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” Psalm 103:6 (NIV)
God also promises to protect us. He passionately pursues those who are hurting, crushed in spirit, overlooked, oppressed, or wandering in the wilderness, He moves toward them with compassion and justice. God fights for us and brings physical, emotional, and spiritual rescue. Pause for a moment: Remember a time you felt God lift you up with his victorious right hand and carried you through something you couldn’t face alone.
“He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.” Psalm 103:7 (NIV)
God promises to reveal himself to us. He is not absent or hidden away. When we pursue Him, He will make Himself known. Pause for a moment: Pursue God and ask him to reveal Himself to you. As he does, reintroduce yourself to him.
“The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.” Psalm 103:8-12 (NIV)
These verses reveal God’s promise to love us. He is patient, merciful, and forgiving. His love was fully displayed through Jesus, who willingly went to the cross and rose again so our sins could be completely forgiven. Pause for a moment: Remember when you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior and how he wiped away your sins. Remember how freeing that was. Lay down all you are currently carrying at the foot of the cross.
It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure and noise of the world around us. The world often feeds us fear, bitterness, and promises healing through anger and rage. But God calls us to be something different.
“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 (NLT)
If you feel like you’ve been wandering in the wilderness for a while or if God feels distant, remember his promises in Psalm 103. He rescues, provides, protects, reveals Himself, and most of all, He loves us deeply.
Reintroduce yourself to the God who created the universe, the God who became flesh and willingly went to the cross so we could know Him personally. Reintroduce yourself to the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit and rest in all of His promises. When you see someone else wandering in the wilderness, reintroduce them to Jesus and help them down the same path.