PSALM 107

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I want to revisit a few Psalms that I find most helpful to me in my walk with Jesus and with others.

This morning I want to take a look at Psalm 107. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story-

It's at this point that the writer takes us through four kinds of people in stressed situations of life. FIRST--THOSE WHO LIVE IN RESTLESSNESS. 4 Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. 5 They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. 6 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. 8 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for humankind, 9 for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

SECOND--THOSE WHO LIVE IN REBELLIOUSNESS. 10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, 11 because they rebelled against God's commands and despised the plans of the Most High. 12 So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. 13 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress 14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. 15 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for humankind, 16 for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.

THIRD--THOSE WHO LIVE IN REJECTION AS FOOLS. 17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. 18They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death. 19 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. 21 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for humankind. 22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.

FOURTH--THOSE WHO ARE REGULAR, RESOURCEFUL PEOPLE. 23 Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. 24 They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. 25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. 26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. 27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits' end. 28 Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. 30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. 31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for humankind.

NOTE a couple of observations. FIRST-No matter who you are nor how you live your life, you will experience trials and trouble. This goes against those who preach a health-wealth gospel...that a person who trusts in Jesus will always experience health and be totally prosperous. It's just not true!

SECOND-Every time the answer for their trials and troubles was to cry out to the Lord. Unless we see the Lord as our only real hope of getting through the mess and muck of our lives, we are looking for answers in all the wrong places.

THIRD-Every time the Lord brought His salvation in response to their cries. The Lord knows exactly what you need. I am convinced that the Lord is never surprised at your trials and troubles. And, His salvation is applied to us continually to get us through it all. Remember, the best way out is through!

FOURTH-Every time those who experienced God's salvation for their trials and troubles they were urged to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds. God wants gratefulness and deserves our thanks. This is the missing link found in every society that turns away from God. In Romans 1 it says, "and neither were they thankful."

The Psalmist ends with this. 43 Let all who are wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.

I just keep thinking about the fact that NOTHING COMES INTO OUR LIVES THAT DOESN'T ALSO GO THROUGH THE WISE AND LOVING HANDS OF GOD.