A song of inspiration. We can all use one of those! The Lord led me to Psalm 107* and I am still there days later. Taking the time to read all 150 psalms, one will experience every form of human emotion possible from the writers. Psalm 107 takes us through many of them in one read.
I really appreciate the cycles of this psalm as it leads us through circumstances common to all people. The opening declares the intent of the message up front.
“1 O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
for his steadfast love endures for ever!
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble”
Every new stanza begins with “some,” meaning some people. Each one illustrates different reasons why people find themselves far from our Creator. Some wander and get in trouble, and some rebel against the ways of Creator, suffering the consequences. Some find themselves in physical or spiritual chains. Others become physically or emotionally sick because of their choices. Then there are some who choose adventure for the sake of money. These come close to death in the storms on the sea, (or the sea of life?)
The bridge, however, begins the same after each of the stanzas.
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress;” . . . followed by specifics of how each of their prayers were answered fitting the circumstances of their trouble and their desire.
The chorus follows right after Creator’s answers to their cries. It is a resounding call to place Creator in position to be properly worshiped.
“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to the sons of men!”
I see this song of inspiration as a universal progression, a cycle to bring us back to a closer relationship with the Lord. Let’s face it, at some point we all go off and get in trouble, separated, or a distance from Creator. It may be a few bad days, or weeks, or months, or even years. Personally, I have experienced extended seasons of physical illness and others of emotional upheaval. I had to practice these principles constantly. This progression empowered me to grow closer, and pull me back When I began to drift.
I can promise you, that when we come to the end of our own resources, this psalm shows us the way out. When we give up “our way,” and cry out for help, that is when Creator has access to intervene. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20
Humility, gratitude, and worship of the All Mighty, position us to receive. We do not receive what we deserve. We receive what our supernaturally, loving Abba longs to lavish on us.
The last part speaks of the sovereignty and unsurpassed power of our Lord. It ends with blessing and an invitation to experientially know the true love of the Lord:
42 The upright see it and are glad;
and all wickedness stops its mouth.
43 Whoever is wise, let him give heed to these things;
let men consider the steadfast love of the Lord.
Abba, Thank you for this song of inspiration. Grant us the grace and humility to invite your help, and worship you, before we land in trouble and despair. Amen
*I write primarily from the RSV, and add the The Passion Translation above.
