This Psalms begins with an encouragement to ourselves to bless or to praise the Lord (v1). We do need at times to seek to stir up our hearts to praise. One of the best ways to do this is to focus on all the good has done for us (v2).

One of the greatest benefits from the Lord of course is how He deals with our sin and enables us to escape the pit of hell (v3-4). God’s deliverance is the beginning of a new life in which we experience His love and mercy in a life of renewal (v4-5).

God’s mercy is the great theme of this Psalm (v6-9). How wonderful that the Lord deals with us not as our sins deserve (v10). Instead we experience God’s underserved and rich love (v11-12). This verse 12 about our sins being removed as far as the east is from the west should be wonderfully reassuring as we trust in Christ.

We need the great mercy of God and as a loving Father due to our great frailty (v13-16. By contrast God’s love endures forever (v17-19). For this the Lord is worthy of all praise (v20-22).