Good morning,
Psalm 107 is a poignant reminder of God’s unwavering mercy and enduring love for those who cry out to Him in their distress. The Psalmist beautifully narrates the divine intervention experienced by the lost, the imprisoned, the sick, and the sea-travelers. It is an earnest call for thanksgiving, recognizing God’s redeeming work in life’s most desolate moments. The Psalm wonderfully encapsulates the human journey from suffering to redemption.
Psalm 107
Call to Thank the Redeemer (1-3)
O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
The psalmist opens with an invitation: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” This sets the tone for the entire psalm, reminding us that gratitude is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. When we focus on God’s goodness and steadfast love, our perspective shifts from our problems to His promises.
All who have been “redeemed from the hand of the enemy” are summoned to praise—the scattered exiles, now gathered from “east and west, north and south,” testify that God has kept His covenant promise.
Wanderers Gathered and Fed (4-9)
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
Travelers lost in trackless wastes hunger and thirst until their strength fails. When they “cry out to the LORD in their distress,” He leads them to a city where they can settle. Their empty stomachs are filled; their thirsty souls are satisfied.
Prisoners Freed (10-16)
10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.13 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.15 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
Others sit in “gloom and darkness, prisoners in chains,” because they rebelled against God’s word. Their bondage is shattered when they cry to Him. “He breaks down bronze gates and cuts through iron bars,” proving no human confinement is stronger than His mercy.
The Sick Restored (17-22)
17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.19 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
Fools who despise God’s ways suffer affliction that brings them to death’s door. But one prayer turns the tide: “He sent forth His word and healed them.” Their deliverance inspires thank-offerings and public witness.
Sailors Delivered from the Storm (23-32)
23 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.28 Then they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.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.31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!32 Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
Mariners see God’s “wonders in the deep” when towering waves lift them to the sky and plunge them to the depths. Helpless, they cry out, and the LORD hushes the sea to a whisper. Safe in port, they lead the congregation in praise.
Reversals of Fortune (33-38)
33 He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;34 A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.36 And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; 37 And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. 38 He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
God turns rivers into desert and desert into pools, humbling the proud and blessing the needy. He plants the hungry in fertile fields so they “multiply greatly,” showing He can flip the fortunes of peoples and lands.
Finale: Wisdom in the Works of God (39-43)
39 Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.40 He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.41 Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.42 The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Oppression may return, but God still lifts the poor. The righteous celebrate; the wicked are silenced. “Let him who is wise give heed to these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.”
Teaching Points
God’s Redeeming Love
Psalm 107:2-3 emphasizes the call for the redeemed to proclaim their deliverance: Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy and gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.
Four Illustrations of Deliverance
The psalm presents four scenarios of distress and God’s deliverance: wandering in the desert (v. 4-9), sitting in darkness and chains (v. 10-16), suffering from foolishness (v. 17-22), and facing peril at sea (v. 23-32).
The Repeated Call to Give Thanks
Each section concludes with a call to thank the Lord for His steadfast love and wondrous works (v. 8, 15, 21, 31).
God’s Sovereignty and Power
Verses 33-42 highlight God’s control over nature and nations, demonstrating His ability to transform situations and bless the righteous.
The Wise Response
The psalm concludes with a call for wisdom: Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD (v. 43).
Lessons from Psalm 107
1. The Power of Gratitude
Psalm 107 opens with a call to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His love endures forever. This sets the tone for the entire psalm, reminding us that gratitude is a powerful tool in our spiritual arsenal. When we focus on God’s goodness and steadfast love, our perspective shifts from our problems to His promises. As it says in Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” Cultivating a heart of gratitude can transform our daily lives, helping us to see God’s hand in every situation.
2. Redemption is for Everyone
The psalm highlights that God redeems people from all corners of the earth, emphasizing His universal love and salvation. “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy” (Psalm 107:2). This is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Whether you feel lost, broken, or unworthy, God’s redemption is available to you. Embrace this truth and share it with others, knowing that His love knows no bounds.
3. God Hears Our Cries
Throughout Psalm 107, we see a pattern: people in distress cry out to the Lord, and He delivers them. “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress” (Psalm 107:6). This reassures us that God is attentive to our prayers. No matter how dire our circumstances, we can trust that He hears us and is ready to act on our behalf. Let this encourage you to bring your concerns to Him, confident in His willingness to help.
4. The Wilderness is Temporary
The psalm describes people wandering in the desert, hungry and thirsty, until they find a city to dwell in. This illustrates that our wilderness experiences are temporary. “He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle” (Psalm 107:7). When you find yourself in a season of wandering or uncertainty, remember that God is guiding you to a place of rest and fulfillment. Trust in His timing and direction, knowing that He has a plan for your journey.
5. God’s Word Brings Healing
Psalm 107:20 states, “He sent forth His word and healed them; He rescued them from the pit.” This highlights the transformative power of God’s Word. When we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we open ourselves to healing and restoration. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual healing you seek, turn to the Bible as a source of comfort and strength. Allow God’s Word to penetrate your heart and bring about the change you need.
6. Praise is a Response to Deliverance
The psalm repeatedly calls for praise in response to God’s deliverance. “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men” (Psalm 107:8). When God intervenes in our lives, our natural response should be one of praise and thanksgiving. This not only honors God but also strengthens our faith and encourages those around us. Make it a habit to celebrate God’s goodness and share your testimonies of His faithfulness.
7. God Breaks Chains
In Psalm 107:14, we read, “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.” This powerful imagery reminds us that God is in the business of breaking chains and setting captives free. Whether you’re struggling with addiction, fear, or any form of bondage, know that God has the power to liberate you. Trust in His ability to break every chain and lead you into a life of freedom and purpose.
8. The Importance of Community
The psalm emphasizes the collective experience of God’s people, highlighting the importance of community. “Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders” (Psalm 107:32). We are not meant to walk this journey alone. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support, encourage, and hold you accountable. Together, we can lift each other up and celebrate God’s work in our lives.
9. God’s Sovereignty Over Creation
Psalm 107:29 declares, “He calmed the storm to a whisper, and the waves of the sea were hushed.” This reminds us of God’s sovereignty over all creation. No matter how chaotic our circumstances may seem, God is in control. He has the power to calm the storms in our lives and bring peace to our hearts. Trust in His authority and rest in the assurance that He is working all things for your good.
10. The Call to Share Our Stories
The psalm concludes with a call to share the stories of God’s faithfulness. “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 107:43). Our testimonies are powerful tools for evangelism and encouragement. By sharing how God has worked in our lives, we can inspire others to seek Him and experience His love for themselves. Be bold in telling your story, knowing that it can make an eternal impact.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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