Psalm 107 - Give thanks to the Lord (Psalm 107:1 & 43)
Introduction:
The word “Give thanks” this sentence is used five times in this Psalm (Psalm 107:8, 15,21, 31, 32). He repeats the word distress or trouble four times. He has delivered them from their distress (Psalm 107:6,13, 19,28). For his wonderful works, miracles (Psalm 107:21).
According to Enduring Word Commentary, ‘the four pictures show that everyone’s story is different, and yet everyone’s story is the same. I see that the Psalmist calls us to consider the great love of God, to consider the greatness of God as ‘He is good, and to Consider the great acts of God as ‘He does wonders and miracles.
1. Give thanks to your Redeemer (Psalm 107:1-2)
- He has redeemed them from the clutches of the enemies (Psalm 107:1-2).
- He broke away their chains, prison hood, and incarceration (Psalm 107:10,14-16).
- He rescued them from the grave (Psalm 107:20)
Matthew Henry introduced this psalm saying, it specifies some of the most common catastrophes of human life and the redemption of God to those who seek his face and favour through their prayers. He starts with deportation and dispersion from Egypt (v. 2-9). Then the captivity and imprisonment by several kings and superpowers (v. 10-16). God rescued them from their sickness and distemper of the body (v. 17-22). He remembers the danger and distress at sea while they passed through the Red Sea (v. 23-32). God has sent his very present help in all these circumstances.
This psalm stipulates the varieties and vicissitudes of events concerning nations and families and how the hand of God, eyes of God were upon them. Hence he concludes with a call to the joyful acknowledgements of his goodness (v. 33-43).
Our Redeemer Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the world, the flesh, the devil, or countless other snares. He broke the strongest bars and the gates to redeem the captives. Psalm 107:20, ‘He sent his word, and healed them,’ etc., The word of God is profitable and comforting during our cries and crises, but at the same time, it foretells the punishment that comes by contempt of it (Enduring Word Commentary).
Prisoners are said to sit in darkness on those days (Psalm 107:10). The prison cells alike like dark dungeons, so they were in a desolate and disconsolate state. Prisoners sit in the shadow of death intimates that they were in great distress, trouble and indescribable danger. Prisoners are many times appointed to die; they sit despairing to get out but resolving to make the best of it. They are bound in affliction, and many times in iron, like Joseph, Peter, and Paul. He has redeemed them and us too!
2. Give thanks to your Director (Psalm 107:3-8)
He has directed them on their ways and made them settle (Psalm 107:8) He guided them to their desired haven (Psalm 107:30). The Israelites were wandering in the desert. They had no clue of what could happen on their next move. But the Lord directed them and gave them a path of success and led them to settle down in the promised land. His word was the navigation system. God used Moses and Aaron as navigators to lead them to Canaan.
“Consider the successive vignettes of this psalm. Love broods over the weary caravan that faints in the desert; visits the prison-house with its captives; watches by our beds of pain; notices each lurch of the tempest-driven vessel; brings the weary hosts from the wilderness into the fruitful soil.” (F.B. Meyer).
Isaac was living a threat filled horrible uncertain life. His enemies chased him and snatched everything from him. His herdsmen repeatedly reported their misfortunes. They dig wells after wells. But, their enemies had been captured. Isaac does not know how to resolve this issue. He finally said the Lord has given me the place to settle down and called the place Rehoboth.
3. Give thanks to your Provider.
The blessings of the righteous and the wicked. Who is righteous and who is wicked? The obedient, hungry and thirsty soul for God is righteous.
He satisfied them with food and quenched their thirst and blessed them with good things (Psalm 107: 8-9). The soul that is hungry and thirsty, and longs for food and drink, when nature in such circumstances craves. And so such who long for Christ and his grace, for an interest in him, and fellowship with him, the Lord satisfies with these things, as with marrow and fatness.
We naturally speak highly of those who are eminent. God is infinitely excellent and exceptionally perfect. He does wonders for the children of men so give thanks to the Lord. His miracles of mercy and grace are done for the undeserving. They are corrupt children of Adam, the descendants of a rebel father (Adam Clark). According to Spurgeon ‘, The mercy of God has no beginning and has no end. ”
