Bless the Lord: Living for What Lasts
HOW TO USE THIS DEVOTIONAL
This five-day devotional is designed to help you internalize and apply the message of Psalm 103:15–18, drawn from the sermon “Live Like You’ll Be Remembered.” Each day includes:
A Scripture Reading
A Reflection
A Journal Prompt
A Prayer
Whether you heard the sermon or not, this devotional will walk you through the heart of the message one day at a time. God wants to shape your life into a legacy that echoes into eternity.
DAY ONE: You Don’t Get to Choose How Long—But You Do Choose What Lasts
Read: Psalm 103:15–16 (NIV)
“The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.”
Reflection
Let’s just say it: David doesn’t pull punches.
In two verses, he basically says, “Hey… you’re like grass. You bloom, you’re beautiful for a bit, and then the wind blows—and poof! Gone.” Not exactly the self-esteem boost you were hoping for today, huh?
But David isn’t trying to make you feel small. He’s trying to help you see clearly. Because when you realize life is short, you start thinking more about what actually matters.
Ever driven past a field that was lush and green one week, and completely cut down the next? That’s the imagery David gives us. One gust of wind and it’s over. And if we’re honest, that’s kind of how life feels sometimes—fast, fragile, fleeting.
But here’s the question this raises: If life is that short… what are you doing with it?
Because here’s the hard truth: You don’t get to choose how long you live. But you do get to choose what kind of legacy you leave.
David doesn’t say this to depress us—he says it to focus us. We’re not eternal. But God is. And His purposes are. And His love? It stretches “from everlasting to everlasting.”
So don’t waste the mist of your life chasing things that won’t last. The approval of people who won’t even show up to your funeral. The possessions you can’t take with you. The trophies no one remembers ten years later.
Jonathan Edwards, one of the greatest preachers in American history, once prayed, “Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs.” That’s the posture David is modeling for us here. When you see your time as limited, you start investing it differently.
Here’s a visual to help you feel this. Picture a spray bottle in your hand. Every spray is a decade. One spray—your childhood. Another—your twenties. Then thirties, forties… you get the idea. After six or seven sprays, you’re out. That’s it. That’s your whole life on earth. A mist.
But—don’t miss the beauty here: A short life doesn’t mean a small impact.
Your life is short… but legacy is long. And how you live today sets the trajectory for what lasts tomorrow.
So here’s the question: If life is a mist, what are you mist-ing it on?
Are you chasing what matters or what distracts?
Are you living for what’s eternal or what’s urgent?
The wind will blow. The grass will wither. That’s a guarantee. But the love of God? That’s eternal. And when your life is rooted in that love, it doesn’t just bloom—it multiplies.
So live with that in mind. Make today count—not by packing your schedule, but by prioritizing your soul.
You don’t need more time. You need more purpose in the time you have.
Journal Prompt
Where am I spending my time and energy right now that won’t matter a year—or ten years—from now? What is one area I need to shift from temporary to eternal focus?
Prayer
Father, thank You for the gift of life—even in its brevity. Help me not to waste it. Show me where I’m chasing things that won’t last. Anchor my life in what is eternal—Your love, Your truth, Your purpose. Teach me to number my days and to live like every moment matters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY TWO: You’re Not Just Living—You’re Leaving a Trail
Read: Psalm 103:17 (NIV)
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—”
Reflection
We live in a world obsessed with the now. Quick wins. Instant gratification. Temporary thrills.
But Psalm 103 reminds us that God is playing the long game.
After reminding us how fleeting life is, David turns the corner and gives us this powerful truth: God's love is everlasting, and His righteousness doesn't end with you—it flows through you to the next generation.
Let that sink in: Your life is not the finish line—it’s the starting point of someone else’s faith journey.
Think about how you got here. Not just physically—but spiritually. Why are you reading a devotional today? Why are you even thinking about legacy?
Because someone before you made a decision.
Maybe it was your parents who took you to church. Maybe it was a youth leader who prayed for you. Maybe it was a friend who invited you when you didn’t even believe. But someone ahead of you walked a path that pointed you toward Jesus.
That’s legacy.
David says God’s righteousness stretches to our “children’s children.” That’s not poetic fluff—that’s a generational promise.
Your obedience today is shaping someone else's tomorrow.
And this isn’t just about bloodlines—it’s about influence. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, coach, neighbor, or friend… someone is watching the trail you’re blazing.
Let’s be real: legacy can feel overwhelming. We think it has to be some epic story—books written, buildings named, foundations established.
But that’s not how legacy works in God’s economy.
Legacy is made in the quiet places:
A bedtime prayer whispered over a child.
A decision to forgive when bitterness seems easier.
A conversation that points someone to truth.
A consistent life that reflects Jesus even when no one applauds.
Here’s the beauty and the burden: You’re already leading someone. The only question is—where is your life leading them?
Even King David, the man writing this psalm, didn’t have a picture-perfect legacy. His family was a mess. His parenting was passive. His household had scandal and heartbreak.
And yet—God used David’s story anyway. Through his line came Jesus Christ—the ultimate legacy.
So stop disqualifying yourself because of past failures.
If God can use David’s fractured family to birth the Savior of the world, He can use your ordinary faithfulness to shape something extraordinary.
Your choices don’t just impact your life. They leave a trail.
And here’s what’s wild: Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do isn’t preaching a sermon—it’s paying attention. To the people watching. To the person you're becoming. To the path you're creating.
So the question isn’t: Will I leave a legacy?
The question is: What kind of legacy am I leaving—right now?
You don’t have to be perfect. Just faithful.
Journal Prompt
Who in my life is being shaped by my example—even if they’ve never said it out loud? What kind of path am I leaving for them to follow?
Prayer
God, thank You for the people who went before me—who pointed me toward You. Help me to live with that same intentionality. I want my life to matter not just today, but for generations to come. Show me who’s following behind me. Give me the wisdom to guide, the grace to lead, and the humility to depend on You every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY THREE: Obedience Builds What Outlasts You
Read: Psalm 103:18 (NIV)
“…with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”
Reflection
David brings the legacy conversation to a razor-sharp point.
After telling us that God’s love stretches across generations, he adds a qualifier: that enduring blessing is for “those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.”
In other words: Legacy isn’t just about intention—it’s about obedience.
And if we’re honest… obedience isn’t always exciting. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t trend on Instagram. It doesn’t get applause. Most of the time, it’s quiet. It’s steady. It’s deeply personal. And it happens when no one’s watching.
But obedience is what builds legacy.
David uses the word “remember” here—but not in a passive way. The Hebrew word is zākar—which means to act in response to what you remember. This isn’t about mental recall. This is about remembering God’s Word so deeply that it reshapes how you live.
It’s one thing to know what God said. It’s another thing to live like you believe it.
Eugene Peterson once described discipleship as “a long obedience in the same direction.” That’s what legacy is built on. Not the highlight-reel moments—but the hundreds of small, faithful “yeses” stacked together over time.
Yes to integrity when compromise would be easier.
Yes to purity when no one would know otherwise.
Yes to forgiveness when your pride is screaming no.
Yes to generosity when your finances are tight.
Yes to prayer when you feel dry.
Yes to showing up—again.
That’s the stuff of legacy. Not just belief—but behavior.
And this isn’t about legalism or guilt. This is about trust. Obedience is what we give to the One we trust most.
To the teenager or young adult: You may think obedience is something for “older Christians.” But every act of faith you make today—especially when it’s hard—is laying the foundation for the life you’re building. Your future self will thank you for the purity, humility, and faithfulness you chose now.
To the parents in the grind: Obedience might just look like consistency. Praying when you’re exhausted. Modeling kindness when you’re frustrated. Choosing to speak blessing instead of sarcasm. That’s what builds a spiritual framework for your kids.
To the grandparents: Don’t underestimate your role. Your life preaches a sermon your grandkids are hearing—whether you realize it or not. And some of the most powerful spiritual moments may come in the form of a prayer, a conversation, or a story you share.
Legacy is never about perfection—it’s about direction.
And let’s be clear: David knew failure. He knew disobedience. He made decisions that shattered his family and scarred his legacy.
But what made David a man after God’s heart wasn’t his perfection—it was his repentance.
He kept turning back.
So maybe you’ve ignored God’s prompting. Maybe you’ve postponed obedience. Maybe you’ve failed publicly or privately.
Good news: God isn’t done writing your legacy.
Today is the perfect day to start—or restart—obedience.
You don’t have to do something dramatic. You just have to do the next right thing. One brick at a time. One “yes” at a time.
Because every act of obedience today becomes a legacy someone will live in tomorrow.
Journal Prompt
Where is God asking me to obey Him right now—even if it feels small or unseen? What’s one decision I can make today to say “yes” to Him?
Prayer
Father, I want my life to echo Your truth. I confess where I’ve delayed obedience or tried to do things my own way. Help me remember—not just in my mind, but in my choices. Give me the courage to obey, even when it’s hard or unpopular. Thank You for Your mercy that allows me to start fresh. Let my life be built on faithfulness to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY FOUR: A Messy Story Can Still Become a Holy Legacy
Read: Psalm 103:15–18 (NIV)
“The life of mortals is like grass… But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children—with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.”
Reflection
Let’s pause and remember who wrote this psalm: King David.
Yes, that David.
The boy who took down Goliath with a sling and some smooth stones.
The musician who wrote worship songs still sung today.
The king who led Israel into its golden era.
But also…
The man who fell hard.
The father whose family tore itself apart.
The sinner who saw Bathsheba and didn’t look away.
The king who tried to cover up a scandal with bloodshed.
If there’s anyone who could’ve believed their story was too messy to matter, it was David.
But Psalm 103 doesn’t sound like the bitter rant of a burned-out leader. It sounds like the wisdom of a man who’s seen it all—and still believes God is faithful.
That’s why these words carry so much weight. David isn’t writing theory. He’s writing testimony.
He knows what it’s like to blow it and come back.
He knows the pain of sin—and the power of grace.
He knows what it means to fail as a father, but still believe in a Father who never fails.
And that’s good news for you and me.
Because some of us carry regret like it’s our birthright.
You look at your past and think, “There’s no way I can leave a legacy after what I’ve done… after what I didn’t do… after all the years I wasted.”
But Psalm 103 isn’t about how clean your past is. It’s about how faithful your God is.
Legacy doesn’t require perfection.
It requires surrender.
God used David’s broken, beautiful life to bring the Messiah into the world. Jesus came from a family tree with branches full of sinners, misfits, and people who wouldn’t make the “church newsletter.”
So if God can use that kind of family… He can use yours too.
And here’s what’s wild—sometimes it’s your biggest failure that becomes the platform for someone else’s freedom.
The way you walked through divorce with dignity.
The way you owned your mistakes and asked forgiveness.
The way you stayed faithful after a painful loss.
The way you kept turning back to God—even when it was messy.
Someone is watching.
Not to critique you—but to see if this “faith thing” is real when life falls apart.
Legacy isn’t found in your flawless execution.
It’s found in your faithful return to God.
You may think your influence is behind you. But what if your most powerful legacy is still ahead?
What if your decision to re-engage, to forgive, to show up, or to tell your story becomes the spark that changes someone else’s direction?
What if your mess becomes someone else’s miracle?
David didn’t write this psalm with a halo on his head. He wrote it with scars on his heart.
And maybe that’s what made his words ring so true.
So stop waiting to feel worthy.
Stop letting shame tell your story.
Stop believing that your past disqualifies your future.
God writes legacies with ink that doesn’t smudge—even when the story gets messy.
Journal Prompt
Where have I let my past define me or disqualify me? What part of my story might God be trying to redeem and use to help someone else?
Prayer
God, thank You for using imperfect people. I bring You the messy parts of my story today—the regret, the brokenness, the sin, the missed opportunities. I believe You are a Redeemer who doesn’t waste anything. Help me trust You with my past and follow You into a new future. Let my scars become signs of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DAY FIVE: Live Like You’ll Be Remembered
Read: Psalm 103:15–18 (NIV)
“The life of mortals is like grass,
they flourish like a flower of the field;
the wind blows over it and it is gone,
and its place remembers it no more.
But from everlasting to everlasting
the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
and his righteousness with their children’s children—
with those who keep his covenant
and remember to obey his precepts.”
Reflection
This is it. The full arc of David’s legacy reflection. He began with the brevity of life—like grass, like a mist. But he ends with something far more lasting: the love of God that spans generations and the legacy that obedience can build.
And here's the big idea one more time: You don’t get to choose how long you live—but you do get to choose what kind of legacy you leave.
That truth levels the playing field for every single one of us.
You may be a student trying to figure out who you are.
You may be a parent wondering if anything you do is making a difference.
You may be older, thinking your influence has faded.
You may be somewhere in the middle, just trying to keep your head above water.
But no matter who you are or where you are—your life is saying something.
And the way you live today is shaping what others will remember tomorrow.
David understood this. He’d seen his life rise and fall. He’d known applause and silence. He’d seen the palace and the pit. And yet, even after all of it, he didn’t write a how-to guide for success. He wrote a psalm about God’s faithfulness.
Why? Because David realized what truly lasts.
Not the victories.
Not the reputation.
Not the empire.
The only thing that lasts is what’s built on the everlasting love of God.
Legacy isn’t about making your name great. It’s about making His name known.
It’s not about being remembered for what you did. It’s about being remembered for who you pointed to.
Here’s what that looks like:
A teenager who chooses Jesus over popularity.
A single mom who prays even when no one else sees.
A businessman who honors God with his integrity.
A grandmother whose living room feels like a sanctuary.
A man who finally lets go of shame and starts leading his family spiritually.
A young adult who serves at church with joy, not for credit.
A couple who forgives and chooses to stay when walking away would’ve been easier.
These aren’t headlines—but they are holy.
That’s what legacy looks like. Not loud, but lasting.
So let me ask you:
What if someone comes to know Jesus—not because you were famous—but because you were faithful?
What if your legacy isn’t just a memory… but a movement?
Imagine…
A grandchild who doesn’t just remember your stories—but your Savior.
A neighbor who doesn’t just recall your kindness—but your conviction.
A young person in your church who sees your quiet consistency—and finds courage to follow Jesus too.
That’s what it means to live like you’ll be remembered.
You may never get a statue or a scholarship fund named after you—but you can leave a legacy that makes heaven crowded.
It starts today. It starts with a yes.
A yes to obedience.
A yes to surrender.
A yes to living every moment with eternity in mind.
Because while life may be short—legacy is long.
Journal Prompt
What’s one change I need to make today—big or small—to start living with eternity in mind and building the kind of legacy that points people to Jesus?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You that the gospel redeems not just my past, but my future. Help me live today like it matters forever. I surrender my story to You—the messy parts, the mundane parts, the meaningful parts. Shape me into someone who leaves a trail of faith, love, and obedience for others to follow. Let my legacy not be about my name, but about Your name. I want to live for what lasts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
