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Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble (Psalm 107:2, ESV).
This Psalm explains the origin of trouble and God’s solution — it’s the “trouble” Psalm.
In Scripture, trouble has two causes: trouble caused by our decisions and trouble not caused by us. The Bible teaches one solution for both kinds of trouble — trust in God. No matter the trouble that we encounter, God intends for us to sing (hopefully sooner than later). . .
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (v. 1).
Psalm 107 deals with the trouble that we cause ourselves. This Psalm originally reflected the affliction of the Jews, their rebellion against God, and the subsequent captivity in Babylon, but the message in this Psalm applies to anyone in “self-caused” trouble.
The first kind of trouble we get into:
Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them (vv. 4-5).
The Israelites, set free from captivity in Egypt, witnesses of God’s miracles and provisions through the generations of their early history, still took every opportunity to wander from the living God to worship pagan gods.
The result was affliction or trouble, big trouble. Their crops didn’t harvest, and their enemies afflicted them. But when they turned to God. . .
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (v. 6).
The second kind of trouble we get into:
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God (vv. 10-11a).
Second Peter 2:20 teaches that if we forsake our faith, our lives become worse than the trouble that we encountered before we accepted Jesus. The imagery used in Psalm 107 of affliction and chains of irons illustrates the trouble of bondage, addiction, and pain that comes from knowing Jesus and then deciding to stop following Him.
And yet when we repent. . .
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (v. 13).
The third type of trouble we get into:
Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction (v. 17).
Wisdom comes to those who seek God’s will. Fools consider plans of the flesh for success with disaster as a result. Have you ever met someone who makes one foolish decision after another and never seems to plan with godly sense?
And yet, even in our foolishness. . .
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (v. 19).
The fourth type of trouble we get into:
Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the great waters (v. 23).
Business without God, some claim, is the root of all trouble. Wars, injustice, perhaps COVID-19, border disputes, racism, and all kinds of evil derive from the love of money.
Yet, even if we go bankrupt, lose our families in greed, or take advantage of others, what do we find with God with humility? Yes, you guessed correctly. . .
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (v. 28).
What kind of trouble do we find ourselves in right now? God’s still faithful. Let’s consider the last verse of Psalm 107. . .
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord (v. 43).
Amen. Peace out!