Forget not His benefits

I'm not the fastest reader around, but I do enjoy reading the odd book every now and then. At the moment I am in the middle of reading an extremely good book by Joseph Prince, Destined to Reign. If you haven't yet read it, I highly recommend you grab yourself a copy. The whole book is about discovering how to live a life of reigning over every adversity, lack and destructive habit that limits us from experiencing the success, wholeness and victory we were destined for.

In the chapter I am reading, he reminds me that God has every best intention for me, for you, for everybody. I'm twenty-six and doctors have diagnosed me with two particular heart conditions. I have often prayed for healing for myself, as well as others and am yet to be completely healed. The agony of not being healed   had been a problem of mine for some time. For quite some time I've asked God why me, thinking it must be part of His plan. I'd get thoughts like 'God must be punishing me for things I've done wrong'. But it wasn't until I was reminded of the following scripture that I have been wrong in my thinking. The Father already sent His only Son to bear my sins on the cross and to take my punishment for me. I need to stop believing the lie that God gives me sickness, diseases and accidents to punish me or teach me a lesson.

Bless the LORD, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

One of my latest designs came from this verse. It's quite plain to the eye, yet it speaks straight to the soul. I created this piece to do exactly what it says; forget not all His benefits. So I've designed a simple piece to be framed and placed on the wall near the dresser in my bedroom so it is the first thing I see when I wake up.

Praise the Lord for all His benefits!