Psalms 103:5
Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalms 103:5
Verse 5 celebrates God’s nourishing provision: “Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” The language ties physical vitality and spiritual vitality together. “Satisfieth thy mouth with good things” can mean God supplies food, abundance, and refreshment, but also the goodness that fills the heart and satisfies longing. The second clause imagery—“thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s”—invokes vitality and resilience, often associated with renewed life. The eagle’s renewal conveys strength that outlasts weariness, a common metaphor in the ancient world for vigor granted by the divine. The Psalmist links daily sustenance with ongoing vitality, affirming God as the source of life’s energy and resilience.
Theologically, this verse highlights God as the giver of every good gift (James 1:17) and the sustainer of life. It connects physical refreshment with spiritual renewal, suggesting a holistic view of salvation that touches body and soul. The eagle imagery points to transformative vitality—renewal that surpasses natural aging or decline. This aligns with biblical motifs of restoration and the eschatological hope of renewed creation. The verse also invites believers to trust God’s timing and generosity, acknowledging that vitality is graciously bestowed rather than earned. It foreshadows New Testament language about being renewed in the inner person by the Spirit and fed by the Word.
Practically, nurture your body and soul as acts of worship. Eat, rest, exercise, and protect your health as trustful responses to God’s generosity. When you feel depleted, recall God’s promise to renew your strength, and ask for fresh energy for today’s tasks. Consider nature or creative pursuits that refresh you, viewing them as God’s gifts rather than mere indulgence. If you’re young or feeling young, cultivate humility and wisdom to steward vitality well. Let gratitude for good things fuel generous living. The moral is simple: recognize and receive God’s provisions with responsibility and thankfulness, letting renewal propel you toward meaningful service and enduring hope.
Cross-References: Isaiah 40:31; Psalm 84:11; Jeremiah 31:25; 1 Corinthians 15:42-43; Romans 12:11-12