Good morning,
Psalm 107:1-32 shows us that problems come to everyone. Four examples are given. The wanderer, the prisoner, the fool, and those who are in a storm. How these problems were dealt with, will be our study this week.
Those who are in a storm (Psalm 107:23-32)
The problem (107:23-27)
They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; 24 These see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep.25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end.
Their cry (107:28)
28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
God’s solution (107:29) (Reference 107:25-27)
29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Our response should be to praise the Lord for His goodness (107:31)
Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
God’s solution (107:32) (Reference 107:23-27)
32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
Some of the storms in our lives are made specifically for us. God wants to see our level of faith and trust in Him.
Jesus did this to His disciples. Matthew 8:23-27 records a similar storm.
“And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.26 And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.27 But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!”
In the midst of our storms in life, where is our trust? It should be on the Lord Jesus. We are not capable of handling our problems. God is!
Whatever life throws at us, God is bigger than any problem. He has the resources to fix any problem we have.
The question is, do we have the faith to believe God is working on our behalf? Just like salvation, the Christian life is lived by faith.
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001