BIBLE PASSAGE:
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.
(Psalm 107:1)
MEDITATION:
When we pray, quite often we petition the Lord to answer our requests,
but how much time do we spend thanking Him for His goodness and love?
The psalmist understood and appreciated all the Lord did for him,
and he had a desire to express his gratitude (and so should we).
Additionally, he knew the importance of sharing his testimony with others.
Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story (Psalm 107:2a)
When we are blessed with the gift of a child, a new job, or anything else, we are
anxious to tell others, so it stands to reason that we should be willing and excited
to share the greatest gift we have ever received – salvation from the Lord.
The psalmist gives us a good contrast
between those who love the Lord and those who do not.
The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. (Psalm 107:42)
Those who love the Lord cannot remain quiet about how He has blessed them,
but those who have no relationship with Him have nothing to say about being blessed.
He also reminds us to contemplate about how often, and in how many ways,
the Lord has shown His love (and His blessings) to those who love Him.
Let the one who is wise heed these things
and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD. (Psalm 107:43)
In Psalm 107, we see a common theme that should arouse our interest.
There are times whenever our actions and attitudes disappoint the Lord,
and our desire to reestablish our closeness with Him can become intense.
So, how did those in the past reconnect with the Lord?
There were some who wandered astray and had no direction.
Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could
settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. (Psalm 107:4-5)
However, the Lord came along beside them
and guided them to a place where they could find stability.
He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle. (Psalm 107:7)
There were some who rebelled against God’s commands and resented His
plans for them, which resulted in their becoming prisoners of a dark world.
Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains,
because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans
of the Most High. (Psalm 107:10-11)
However, the Lord brought light into their lives and destroyed the bondage
of rebellion that prevented them from enjoying the good things from the Lord.
He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
and broke away their chains. (Psalm 107:14)
Some lost the ability to think wisely and suffered physically (some near death),
as a result of their sin and rebellion (refusal to obey God’s commands).
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because
of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.
(Psalm 107:17-18)
However, the Lord healed their infirmities and gave new life
to those who were on the brink of death physically (and spiritually).
He sent out his word and healed them;
he rescued them from the grave. (Psalm 107:20)
Some were experiencing all kinds of turmoil in their lives.
Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.
They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke
and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the
heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.
They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end.
(Psalm 107:23-27)
However, the Lord calmed the turmoil in their lives
and replaced it with a new gladness, and a new purpose for living.
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
(Psalm 107:29-30)
In each of these instances, the psalmist advised the people
to never forget His blessings, and give thanks to the Lord.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love
and his wonderful deeds for mankind. (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31)
What caused these dramatic and positive changes in the lives of these
people who had many issues which caused them to be separated from the Lord?
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress. (Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28)
Apparently they didn’t make excuses or try to justify their actions,
but instead they admitted their failures to the Lord
and pleaded for His mercy, grace and forgiveness.
There was sincerity in their plea for help, along with a commitment to change.
ACTION:
Can you relate to any of these groups of people?
Have you felt a gap in your relationship with the Lord?
If so, then learn from the psalmist:
admit your failures and cry out to the Lord for forgiveness, mercy, grace,
and a new purpose and direction for your life.
And, when He responds to your cry, express your thankfulness to Him,
and have a willingness to share with others how He has blessed you.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I have failed You in so many ways. I can make
excuses for them, try to justify them, and fool myself into believing
that I have not been rebellious or disobedient, but the truth is, I have
sinned against You and I am sorry. I am crying out to You for
forgiveness and restoration. Create in me new attitudes and a new
mindset that is pure, righteous, and what You want of those who are
following Your Son, Jesus. Help me to always be willing to share
with others how You have blessed me in so many ways, and how You
have rescued me from the bondage that has separated me from enjoying
Your love. Restore in me the joy of Your salvation and create a new
calmness in my life. Thank You for loving me in spite of my failures.”
blog: UTVOLWOODY.WORDPRESS.COM
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