Thesis: The righteous see the goodness of the Lord despite circumstances.
Intro.: Please turn to Psalm 107.
I. LOOKING AT THE TEXT. < Pausing to make comments >
A. After Verse 3.
1. This entire psalm is "compressed" in these first three verses; The rest of the psalm "unwraps" the ideas expressed here.
2. This sort of thing can be observed in other psalms:
a. Psalm 15.
b. Psalm 23.
B. After Verse 32.
1. Four groups of people in four different circumstances.
2. A pattern is present in each group:
a. Distress.
b. Crying out to the Lord.
c. The Lord saves from distress.
d. The redeemed give thanks.
C. Around Verse 39.
1. Constant reversal of fortunes: Bad (verses 33-34) to Good (verses 35-38); Bad (39-40) to Good (verse 41).
2. The verse we want to key in on is verse 42--"The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths"--WHAT DO THE RIGHTEOUS SEE?
II. THE POINT OF THE TEXT.
A. The righteous are able to see the goodness of the Lord despite circumstances!
1. The "love" of verses 1 and 43 is hesed--God's unrelenting covenant loyalty to his people.
2. This is the OT version of Romans 8:28.
B. Good News!--If we stick with the Lord he will stick with us!
