Psalm 107

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.