Have you ever felt lost, trapped, or overwhelmed?
Psalm 107 reminds us that no matter how desperate our situation, God hears our cries and delivers us. His unfailing love reaches us wherever we are, offering hope, healing, and restoration.
Key Verse: “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1 (NIV)
Background Context: Psalm 107 is a song of thanksgiving that celebrates God’s deliverance of His people from various forms of distress. It describes four different scenarios—being lost in the desert, trapped in chains, suffering from illness, and caught in a storm at sea—and how God rescued those who cried out to Him. The repeated refrain, “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress,” emphasizes God’s readiness to respond to those who seek Him. This psalm encourages us to recognize God’s hand in our lives and to give thanks for His steadfast love.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
BOOK 5
The LORD Delivers Men from Manifold Troubles.
1Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary
3And gathered from the lands,
From the east and from the west,
From the north and from the south.
4They wandered in the wilderness in a desert region;
They did not find a way to an inhabited city.
5They were hungry and thirsty;
Their soul fainted within them.
6Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
He delivered them out of their distresses.
7He led them also by a straight way,
To go to an inhabited city.
8Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
9For He has satisfied the thirsty soul,
And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.
10There were those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death,
Prisoners in misery and chains,
11Because they had rebelled against the words of God
And spurned the counsel of the Most High.
12Therefore He humbled their heart with labor;
They stumbled and there was none to help.
13Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
He saved them out of their distresses.
14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death
And broke their bands apart.
15Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
16For He has shattered gates of bronze
And cut bars of iron asunder.
17Fools, because of their rebellious way,
And because of their iniquities, were afflicted.
18Their soul abhorred all kinds of food,
And they drew near to the gates of death.
19Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble;
He saved them out of their distresses.
20He sent His word and healed them,
And delivered them from their destructions.
21Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
22Let them also offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
And tell of His works with joyful singing.
23Those who go down to the sea in ships,
Who do business on great waters;
24They have seen the works of the LORD,
And His wonders in the deep.
25For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind,
Which lifted up the waves of the sea.
26They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths;
Their soul melted away in their misery.
27They reeled and staggered like a drunken man,
And were at their wits’ end.
28Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
And He brought them out of their distresses.
29He caused the storm to be still,
So that the waves of the sea were hushed.
30Then they were glad because they were quiet,
So He guided them to their desired haven.
31Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
And for His wonders to the sons of men!
32Let them extol Him also in the congregation of the people,
And praise Him at the seat of the elders.
33He changes rivers into a wilderness
And springs of water into a thirsty ground;
34A fruitful land into a salt waste,
Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it.
35He changes a wilderness into a pool of water
And a dry land into springs of water;
36And there He makes the hungry to dwell,
So that they may establish an inhabited city,
37And sow fields and plant vineyards,
And gather a fruitful harvest.
38Also He blesses them and they multiply greatly,
And He does not let their cattle decrease.
39When they are diminished and bowed down
Through oppression, misery and sorrow,
40He pours contempt upon princes
And makes them wander in a pathless waste.
41But He sets the needy securely on high away from affliction,
And makes his families like a flock.
42The upright see it and are glad;
But all unrighteousness shuts its mouth.
43Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things,
And consider the lovingkindnesses of the LORD.
Reflection on Psalm 107:
- God Hears the Cry of the Distressed: The psalmist begins by calling people to give thanks to the LORD because of His enduring love and goodness (Psalm 107:1-3). The psalm describes four groups of people who found themselves in desperate situations: those lost and wandering in the desert (Psalm 107:4-9), prisoners in chains (Psalm 107:10-16), the sick and suffering (Psalm 107:17-22), and sailors caught in a violent storm (Psalm 107:23-32). Each of these situations represents different kinds of distress, but the response is the same: “Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.” God is attentive to our cries for help, no matter the situation. Are you facing a trial that feels overwhelming? Cry out to God, knowing that He is faithful to hear and deliver.
- Lost and Wandering, but God Leads Us to Safety: The first scenario describes people who were lost, hungry, and thirsty, wandering in the desert without direction. When they cried out to God, He led them to a place of safety and provision (Psalm 107:4-9). This imagery speaks to those who feel aimless or without purpose, longing for direction and fulfillment. God is our guide, who leads us out of confusion and into His peace. If you are feeling lost or unsure of your path, turn to God. He will guide you and satisfy your soul.
- Bound in Chains, but God Breaks the Bonds: The next group of people were prisoners, bound in chains because of their rebellion and sin (Psalm 107:10-16). They experienced the consequences of their actions, yet when they cried out to God, He set them free and broke their chains. This illustrates God’s power to deliver us from the bondage of sin and the consequences of our mistakes. Even when we feel trapped by our past, God’s grace can set us free. If you are struggling with guilt or feeling chained by your past, remember that God’s mercy is greater than your sin. He can break every chain and restore your freedom.
- Sick and Suffering, but God Brings Healing: The third scenario describes people suffering from illness, weakened by their own actions or circumstances. They reached the point where they could do nothing to save themselves, but when they called out to God, He healed them and saved them from death (Psalm 107:17-22). This reminds us that God is our healer. Whether we are dealing with physical, emotional, or spiritual pain, He has the power to bring healing and restoration. Are you facing a situation that feels hopeless? Turn to God, the Great Physician, and trust in His healing power.
- Caught in the Storm, but God Calms the Seas: Finally, the psalm speaks of sailors caught in a violent storm at sea, their courage melting away as they struggled against the waves (Psalm 107:23-32). They cried out to God, and He calmed the storm, bringing them safely to their destination. This is a powerful image of how God brings peace in the midst of life’s storms. When everything feels chaotic and out of control, God is the one who can calm the seas and bring us safely through. If you are going through a stormy season, remember that God is with you. Cry out to Him, and He will bring you peace.
- A Call to Praise and Testify: Throughout Psalm 107, there is a call to give thanks to the LORD for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31). Each time God delivered His people, their response was one of gratitude and praise. The psalm ends by encouraging us to share our testimonies of God’s goodness and to consider His unfailing love (Psalm 107:43). When we reflect on how God has rescued and restored us, our hearts should overflow with gratitude. Sharing our stories of deliverance can encourage others and bring glory to God. How has God delivered you? Take time to thank Him and share your story with others, so that they may be encouraged by His faithfulness.
Summary Key Points:
- God Hears Our Cries: No matter the situation, when we cry out to God, He hears and responds with deliverance.
- Guidance for the Lost: God leads those who are lost and wandering to a place of safety and purpose.
- Freedom for the Bound: God can break the chains of sin and set us free from the consequences of our past.
- Healing for the Suffering: God is our healer, bringing restoration to our physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds.
- Peace in the Storm: God calms the storms of life, bringing peace and guiding us safely through difficult times.
- A Call to Praise and Testify: Our response to God’s deliverance should be gratitude and praise, sharing His goodness with others.
Application: Reflect on the different ways God has delivered you in your life. Are you currently facing a situation where you feel lost, trapped, suffering, or overwhelmed? Cry out to God, knowing that He is ready to hear and respond. Take time to thank Him for the times He has rescued you in the past, and consider how you can share your testimony with others. Let your life be a reflection of His unfailing love and faithfulness.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and for the ways You deliver us from distress. We praise You for being our guide, our healer, and our peace in the storm. Forgive us for the times we have forgotten Your goodness or tried to face our struggles alone. Help us to cry out to You in our need and to trust in Your power to save. May we live with hearts full of gratitude, always ready to share the testimony of Your great love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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