Based on the Indicatives, We talk to ourselves with Imperatives.

Psa 103:1-5 A Psalm of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.



King David is talking to himself. Since this is Scripture, we must talk to ourselves in this manner. David is speaking in imperatives to himself. He is setting an example for us. He is telling himself to bless the Lord. The word ‘bless’ in these verses mean ‘to kneel as an act of adoration.’ It can also be an attitude of our heart in adoration to God. David is also commanding himself to not forget how God has benefitted him. David’s imperatives to himself are based on the indicatives – statements of fact. 

David gives us several statements of fact regarding God:

• He forgives all our sins.
• He heals all our diseases.
• He redeems our life from destruction.
• He benefits us with His lovingkindness and tender mercies.
• He satisfies us with good things.
• He energizes us. 

Why does David have to tell himself to worship God and to not forget about all the benefits he receives from God? Are we like David? Do we need to remind ourselves? We, on purpose, need to take initiative in our worship. In adoration of God remember all His benefits!

Ron Cox – Director of HOPE Ministry