Bless the Lord!

“Bless you!” That’s the typical response when someone sneezes. Most of us say it without even thinking. But did you know this custom dates back to the Middle Ages in Germany? People believed sneezing expelled evil spirits, and saying “bless you” was a way of offering protection or congratulations for keeping the spirits at bay.

Words have layers of meaning. In the South, the phrase “Bless them” can be a sincere expression of compassion. But just as often, it’s said with a tilt of the head and a knowing tone, conveying not kindness but quiet criticism or condescension. Same words, different heart behind them.

So when the Psalmist says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul,” what does he mean?

After all, what can we possibly give to the One who owns everything? He is the Creator of the universe. He fashioned the mountains, the oceans, and the stars—and He also formed you. You belong to Him.

The Hebrew word used here for “bless” means more than speaking well of someone. It carries the image of kneeling, bowing down in reverence, surrender, and worship. It’s a posture of the heart—one that recognizes God's greatness and submits to His sovereignty.

King David wrote these words late in life. He had seen the highs and the lows, the victories and the failures. As he looked back over the journey—through palace halls and desert caves, through sin and repentance—his response wasn’t bitterness or pride. It was worship. He bowed his heart before the Lord and said, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.”

When you pause to look back over your own life, what do you see? Can you trace the hand of God through your joys and sorrows, your detours and your blessings? He’s been there—in every step, in every detail.

And when you begin to see His hand clearly, there’s only one response that fits: fall to your knees in awe, and with all your heart, say—“Bless the Lord.”