Psalm 107:6-9 “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city for a dwelling place. Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.”
Today’s Psalm is an overview of some of the history of God’s people. It tells us of their need, their difficulties, and their rebellion. Then it tells us of their cry to God and His intervention in their lives. It culminates in an offering of thanksgiving to God.
Four times verse 6 is repeated (vv.13,19,28). Let me recall the difficult situations the people were in. Maybe you can identify with one of them.
Verse 4 tells us the people were wandering in the desert and became hungry and thirsty. So much so that their soul fainted within them. Have you ever been there? It’s a place where you keep moving on the outside but you’re too tired on the inside. Verses 10 through 12 tell us that the people were in darkness and bondage. Whenever you are not free in your spirit it can be a miserable place to live. Verses 17 and 18 tell us that the people suffered the consequences of their rebellion and iniquity. Verse 27 tells us that they were at their wits’ end because of the circumstances around them.
Each one of thesedifficult situations is followed by action. It goes like this:
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” Got any distress in your life? They got to the place where it was just too much for them. Then they cried out to God and God had mercy on them and turned everything around.
Each deliverance is followed by a praise to God (vv.8,15,21,31). When God has moved on your behalf and heard your prayer don’t forget to return praise to Him. This is where the nine lepers failed when Jesus healed them. Only one returned to give thanks (Luke 17:12-17).
If you are in any distress, lift your voice to God in prayer. It may be that your difficult days will be short lived. And when He intervenes, give Him praise!