May 7, 2006
200% Sunday
Psalm 107
Have someone read Psalm 107:1-32
Every now and then we need to be reminded of where we come from, and of the unconditional love God showed us in that place. It keeps us humble, or it should, and it prevents us from looking down our noses at those who have not yet discovered the wonderful salvation that we now enjoy.
Psalm 107 demonstrates the power of Gods love as seen in a changed life.
As we look at the four groups of people mentioned in this Psalm you will fall into one of two groups:
Those that see themselves in one of these groups now. If that is you, realize what is available to you.
Those who realize they were once in those places; but now, through God’s love, have seen their lives changed. If that is you, rejoice!
1. Those who cannot find their place in life.
Psalm 107:4-5
Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.
This is speaking of those people who are lonely, the needy, the people who have a place to live but no home.
They are hungry, thirsty, and dieing.
You may be a member of this group if:
- You have done wrong in order to fit in.
- You have sat alone in a corner at a bar or some other social function feeling sorry for yourself and hoping someone will notice and take pity on you.
- You long for love but can’t seem to find someone or you keep finding the wrong someone.
- You often feel empty and wonder why you can’t seem to find the joy others have.
- You think your life is a waste and it would have been better if you had not been born.
Know this:
You may have been looking for love in all the wrong places.
Psalm 107:4-5
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.
Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
Illustration: (See Slide)
Steven Kent met his sister Bonnie White recently in Mansfield Ohio after arriving by bus from California. Kent, who has spent 20 homeless years on the street, was reunited with his sister and is to collect an inheritance estimated at more than $110,000. Police tracked down Kent in California after his sister reported him missing.
Tracey, please don’t wait 20 years to track me down if this happens to me.
If this is you, start looking for love in the right place – from God!
- Find your place in God.
- Stop trying to get people to quench your thirst.
- Forgive anyone who has contributed to your misery.
- Be amazed at God’s capacity to satisfy you’re longing.
2. Those entangled in bondage & trapped in darkness.
Psalm 107:10-11
Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.
Notice how they wound up in bondage:
- They rebelled against God’s word.
- They despised the council of the Most High.
In other words they heard the truth but they knew better. These folks see God’s ways as a hindrance. Examples:
Ephesians 5:18
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
Ignore it and find yourself in bondage!
Romans 13:8
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
Proverbs 22:7
The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Ignore them and find yourself in bondage!
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Ignore it, cheat on your spouse, and find yourself in bondage.
I Timothy 3:8
Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
Go ahead and despise God’s counsel and find yourself in bondage!
If you recognize yourself as a member of this group:
Psalm 107: 13-16
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.
There is no bondage that He cannot cut through, no darkness that can overpower the presence of light. Light always expels the darkness; the darkness only exists when the light is absent.
3. Those whose love of sin reduces them to fools.
Psalm 107:17
Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
Psalm 106:43
Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin.
Are you bent on rebellion? Is your life wasting away while you dabble in sin?
Proverbs 10:23
A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct, but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.
Question:
Where do you find pleasure? Honestly now, do you take more of your pleasure from evil conduct or from the wisdom of God?
How do seek wisdom from God?
- Lay it all out before Him. Write it down if you can.
(Not for His information, for you! Do you know how many times someone has come to me with a problem, I say okay, explain the whole issue first, and about three sentences into it they say, never mind, and walk away with the answer?)
- Listen for the Holy Spirit to advise you. Notice especially any scripture that comes to mind.
- Act on the wisdom God gives you.
If you have been a fool:
Psalm 107:19-22
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.
Step one – cry, Step two – sing!
4. Those who have veered of course.
Psalm 107:23-24
Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the LORD, his wonderful deeds in the deep.
They saw the goodness of God through their business ventures; but they started to focus on the rewards more than the rewarder.
It is so easy to be caught up into the rat race and lose sight of what really matters in life. There is nothing wrong with being a successful businessman and enjoying your work. In fact the bible says that that is a gift from God. We just need to guard against forgetting that God is our source.
Illustration:
A minister was speaking to a Sunday school class about the things money can’t buy. “It can’t buy laughter and it can’t buy love” he told them. Driving his point home he said, “What would you do if I offered you $1000 not to love your mother and father?” Stunned silence ensued. Finally a small voice queried, “How much would you give me not to love my big sister?”
Psalm 107: 27-32
They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.
In conclusion let’s look at verses 42 and 43
Psalm 107: 42-43
The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the LORD.
Wherever you have been, wherever you are now, you can turn to God and find healing, strength, peace, love, acceptance and forgiveness. He loves you!
Power Point Available on request – dcormie@mts.net
