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Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Psalm 103:2-5 ESV

Are there any benefits? I asked when they told me the pay. I had worked so many low-end jobs that had no benefits, except for the benefit of having a job, that I was surprised that this one did. When searching for a job, something that is always involved in the decision are the benefits. Do they have insurance, retirement, paid vacations? They can be why we take the job in the first place, and we gladly make use of the benefits when they present themselves.

Serving the Lord has benefits as well. Forgiveness of your mistakes, healing for your body, redemption, steadfast love and mercy, being able to be satisfied, and renewed vigor. Often we overlook these benefits and prefer to just struggle on without them. Do you say no to free health insurance, or how about “just forget the vacation, I would rather work on through this time?”

Jesus told us to pray “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11) and James wrote “You do not have, because you do not ask” (James 4:2 ESV). When you fall down, ask for forgiveness and get up knowing that you are forgiven, it is a benefit. When you are sick, pray to be healed, it is a perk. Love and mercy, they are included in the package. It is OK to pray about your needs, and God does love you.