God blesses us in many ways. But in Psalm 103:1 (ESV) we are encouraged to bless him back: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!”

But what does that mean?

The Hebrew word for bless is “barach.” It is sometimes translated as “praise.” So blessing God certainly has something to do with praising him.

The word “barach” also has the sense of kneeling. Think of a knight kneeling before his King. He is showing both allegiance and submission. Since the King is the gracious and good, the knight also kneels because he is thankful.

To bring it all together, it’s fair to say that blessing God has to do with bending the knee before him as our King of grace in an act of praise, allegiance, submission and gratitude.

How are you bending the knee before God?

Hopefully you’re able to think about some ways where you are already yielding to his presence, grace and goodness in your life.

As you think about it, let me also ask you if there an area of your life where you have yet to bend the knee. Are you trying to keep God out because you think you know better than he does?

Let’s trust God fully. Since he is good, loving and wise, his way is always the best way.

Let’s bless him by bending the knee.

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Notes:

–“If we can glorify God in heaven why on earth are were here on earth?” This was a question that was asked for a recent Q and A Forum. I provide an answer in this episode of ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan.’ You can subscribe wherever you enjoy podcasts or click here to listen.

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on July 3, 2023.