Praise the Lord, my soul;
all in my inmost being, praise his holy name!…
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion.
Psalm 103,1.4
What a glorious promise:  he saves my life from ruin,- and then another promise added to this:  He crowns my life with love and compassion!
So many Christians are caught up in their circumstances.  Wives with unbelieving husbands, who may even have a drinking problem.  Because of the children they are tied to him.  Business people at the mercy of the suppliers or clients.  They are suffocating.
The workers, who barely earn enough to survive the day.  No old age pension, no medical fund.  They work hard, hoping that it will last for some time yet.
The students, working hard with little chance of a good job.
Everywhere we see situations where there seems to be no way out.  And into these situations God speaks:  Stop complaining, praise the Lord!  With all your being, praise the Lord.  Yes, with all your heart and all your strength, praise Him!!  Because He has the power and the will to change your situation.  He wants to save you from ruin.
And to those people standing at the end of the queue, God says:  I want to crown you with love and compassion!  Stop being sad and hanging your heads.  I am here!  Look up to me!  Then I can crown your life with my mercy.  No matter if I take you out of this situation or leave you in it, I will take care of you.  Start thanking and praising the Lord!  He is the living God, full of sympathy, he always knows the way out.  He is with you in your situation, He helps you carry and endure your burdens.  He gives joy to our hearts, because He gives mercy, compassion and glory in the most difficult times.
Yes, my soul, stop complaining, look up to the Lord!  He will crown your life with His blessing, so that others will become jealous.
It is not a crown of heavy gold and studded with diamonds that I desire.  Such a crown is only a burden .  I want His crown of mercy!! His presence and glory shall be reflected in my life!
Thank You Lord, for Your presence!  In Your presence there is joy, glory and peace.  There is abundance, sufficient for all.  Yes, Your care of me is wonderful, even if my circumstances are not so great.  Thank You, You are my good Shepherd!