Psalm 107
Bible Passage: Psalm 107
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,
And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”
This verse was repeated 4 times in Psalms 107, showing 4 instances of thanksgiving.
The 1st instance talks about the Israelite’s deliverance from Egypt. The journey through the wilderness was a grueling one, not just physically but straining on their faiths in God as well.
Their throats were parched and they were extremely hungry, the extreme weather conditions surely worsen their plights.
Today we live in affluent societies and stay in comfortable homes, but we live our days in this evil world as though journeying through a spiritual wilderness. We may be faint and weary from trials, fears, grief and worldly desires.
Like the Israelites, we could cry out to God in times of need, and He will surely deliver us from our troubles. He will provide a safe harbor for us to hide in. He will wipe away every tear and mend every broken heart.
Those who hunger and thirst from righteousness will receive all the goodness from God. Those who draw near to our Lord will be spiritually blessed and guided on the right path.
The 2nd instance talks about sinners.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””
John 8:12
Those who walk in darkness are shackled by the chains of sin. They had gone against the Lord, despised His commandments. Their hearts are hardened.
Yet God went to their rescue when these sinners plead to God for help. Despite their initial unpardonable behavior, God looked past their sins and delivered them from their troubles.
This reminds me of the hymn “He looked beyond my fault”.
Some of us might have sinned greatly against God that, ridden with guilt, we axe Him out of our lives. We might have hardened our hearts and believe we could still live a life without God.
But when trouble comes knocking on our doors, there is no other way except to turn back to God and return to the right path. Sins will be forgiven by the Lord if your heart is full of repentance and humility.
The 3rd instance is similar to the 2nd.
Fools are those who sin and give way to their worldly indulges and desires. Through their rebellious ways they suffer afflictions.
They cry out to the Lord and He healed them and pulled them away from the gates of death. By His word, their bodies are restored to health, their souls restored to holiness.
The 4th instance tells us of the terrors the mariners face when they faced stormy seas. Life is like a tempestuous ocean. There are great times when we receive a promotion, achieve excellent results at school or get married. There are also times of deep troubles when we are in pain or are filled with anxiety and worry.
All good things come from the Lord, and we ought to give thanks when we are blessed. In terrors and distress, in answer to our cries, God calms our stormy hearts and fill us with His peace. This too, we ought to give thanks for.
“Naked a man comes from his mother’s womb, and as he comes, so he departs. He takes nothing from his labor that he can carry in his hand.”
Ecclesiastes 5:25
Worldly wealth and achievements are uncertain. Only the treasures stored up in heaven are eternal.
A truly wise man will know these things and in turn, understand the weakness of Man and power of the Almighty God.