Psalm 103:2

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

If we judge our day or golf round by our fleshly expectations, most of the time we would end it feeling disappointment. We had goals which we did not attain and holes in which we three-putted. We tend to deem these happenings as failures instead of things to tie up tomorrow or during the next round. When our expectations are front and center, we engage in a virtual “spin class” where we feel stationaryirrespective of how fast we peddle. God’s will and his direction for our life is often a different path or by a different means.

The same is true for our prayer life. We must not always take God’s delay as a denial or God’s denial as a failure. He knows what is good for us and what accomplishes His will for our life. If we were given many of things we pray for from our flesh, we would find ourselves in a further disappointed condition and state.

One who is faithful to the earnest and sincere prayer is never a failure. William Bridge wrote that, “a praying man can never be very miserable, whatever his condition be, for he has the ear of God; the Spirit within to indite, a Friend in heaven to present, and God Himself to receive his desires. It is a mercy to pray, even though I never receive the mercy prayed for.” Thus, the believer should rejoice in the fact that we have a faithful Heavenly Father to whom we can pray. That in and of itself is sufficient to warrant His praise.

Despite all of his travails, David realized the benefits and the faithfulness of God. When he wrote “bless the Lord, O my soul”, David was not being conceited or selfish. He realized the greatness of our God irrespective of how bad of a day he had or how many times he failed in service. We would benefit from having this mentality. If we have a bad day at work, let us rejoice in the fact we have a job which allows us to provide for our family. If we have a bad day on the golf course, let us be thankful for the health and opportunity to play and enjoy God’s creation. In all matters, the believer should never underestimate or neglect the benefits of an active prayer life. Bless the Lord, O my soul!