READ: Psalm 107
The theme of this chapter is the unfailing, enduring love of the Lord.
The first verse starts with it and the last verse ends with it. It’s because of
His great love that He redeems people – all kinds of people who fall into one
of four groups.
The first group is people in the desert (vs. 4-9). These are people who
are hungry, thirsty and lost. They can’t find their way on their own and have
no place to call home. For those in the desert God offered food and drink and a
place to settle. He led them to a place of safety and provision when they cried
out to Him. To relate this to us, we could say these people simply haven’t
heard or don’t know Jesus is the Bread of Life, the Living Water, and that He
offers to be our Father and to dwell with us. God offered, and still does
offer, exactly what they need.
The next group God redeemed from darkness and despair (vs. 10-16). God
had subjected them to prison and labour for their rebellion. But He also
rescued them! He burst through the iron bars, and pulled them from the dark,
gloomy prison and slavery, broke their chains, then set them free! These are
people who deliberately went against what they knew to be God’s plan, and whose
rebellion put them into spiritual slavery and bondage. They heard His voice and
said NO. This represents those who were slaves to sin, living in darkness and
gloom but God has broken through, smashed the prison doors, destroyed the
shackles that bound them, and set them free from sin and certain death.
Then there is a group of people whose rebellion led them into sin, which
caused them sickness and brought them close to death (vs. 17-22). For these He
brought food and healing and life. People in this situation are those who
perhaps don’t thumb their noses at God in blatant rebellion, but who choose not
to spend time with Him and make foolish (human) plans instead of connecting to
Him. They are not planning to sin or walk away from God, they are just too foolish
or lazy to stay connected, eating the very words of God and drinking in His
wisdom. God knows they will spiritually starve, get sick, and die without Him.
Perhaps they are even experiencing physical sickness now. God redeems these by
offering Himself.
The final group the Psalmist mentions is the group who went about doing
their work but who encountered tremendous difficulties which threatened to
steal their purpose, their courage and their goals (vs. 23-32). There was no
blatant sin or rebellion in their hearts. They were just putting one foot in
front of the other when circumstances – life
– hit them broadside. They were thrown for a loop and were losing hope. God
changed the situations. He removed the hardship completely making it possible
for them to see His love and He drew them into safety.
God’s care is specific, compassionate, and appropriate. This
demonstrates God’s intimate knowledge of us. But it also displays His love, just
like verses 1 and 43 tell us.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1. Which group do you identify with the most? Ask the
Lord to show you how He redeemed you as you read those verses again. Spend time
thanking Him for your redemption.
2. Ask the Lord to reveal to you how He has cared for
you this past week with compassion, and specific, detail-appropriate
demonstrations of His knowledge of you and love for you. Thank Him for His love.
3. Ask the Lord to reveal to you how you can meet the
needs of certain people around you. Ask for one or two names, and specific
things He would like you to do to demonstrate His practical love to them
through you. Write down what He says and make a commitment to obey.
