"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story— those he redeemed from the hand of the foe...

But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord."

Psalm 107:1-2; 41-43

The psalmist leads the congregation in a celebration of their history. Notice that, at times, these people have gotten into trouble because of their own foolishness and rebellion; at other times, they suffered because of others’ actions or natural events. Yet, whatever the cause, God intervened to save his people when ‘they cried to the Lord in their trouble’ (vv. 13, 19, 28), because of his ‘unfailing love’ (v. . The focus changes in verses 33–42. Away from our suffering, the perspective moves to God’s intervention and his transformative actions of judgment and blessing – from desert to harvest, from oppression to rejoicing: ‘He turned the desert into pools of water’ (see v. 35); ‘He blessed them’ (see v. 38); ‘He lifted the needy’ (see v. 41).

Throughout the psalm, the rhythm of the repeated lines (‘they cried out’; ‘he saved them’; ‘give thanks’) gives us a rhythm for our own lives and worship. We are invited to join in the rejoicing with God’s people today. Together, let us ponder anew ‘the loving deeds of the Lord’ (v. 43).

CLOSING PRAYER

Father in heaven, whatever my circumstances, thank you that I can trust in your faithfulness and love for me. Help me to always be as eager to praise as when you rescue and bless me.

(Edited from Encounter with God)