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Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble (Psalm 107:2, ESV).
Psalm 107 is the “trouble” Psalm.
It was originally written detailing the troubles the Israelites had to endure while in Babylonian captivity. Their troubles included:
- Losing their way
- Losing their freedom
- Losing their health
- Losing their hope
The Psalms always have layered meaning, so this Psalm relates to us today when we lose our way/purpose, our freedom, our health, and our hope. What did the Israelites do? What should we do?
The opening verse is key to an overcoming life that resists the bitterness and defeat that too many experience after devastating loss. We may lose our way, freedom, health, hope, or house, but having been conquered by the Babylonians, the Israelites lost them all in a very short period of time.
What did they do? What was instrumental in the comeback victory?
They praised God. . .
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (v. 1)
If we can find a reason to be grateful in all situations (which we can all do), then the larger perspective of God’s eternal sovereignty, His rewards, and judgments, can unfold in our spirit, allowing peace.
Losing our way. . .
Each “losing” section of this Psalm has a formula: depiction of loss, declaring their need for help, and a description of God’s victory, and a statement of praise!
Help: Some [We] wandered in desert wastes (v. 4).
Help: Then they [we] cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (v. 6).
Victory: For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things (v. 9).
Losing our freedom. . .
Loss: Some [We] sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction (v. 10).
Help: They [We] cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (v. 13).
Victory: He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death (v. 14).
Losing our health. . .
Loss: Some [We] were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction (v. 17).
Help: Then they [we] cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (v. 19).
Victory: He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction (v. 20).
Losing our hope. . .
Loss: They [We] went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their evil plight (v. 26).
Help: Then they [We] cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress (v. 28).
Victory: He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven (vv. 29-30).
I’m sure that you noticed the cry for “help” was the same for losing our way, freedom, health, and hope (repeated four times). . .
Then they [we] cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
But the verse is also repeated four times with losing our way, freedom, health, and hope. . .
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31)
That’s our God — a God who helps us in all of our troubles.
Amen. Peace out. Let’s praise His name!
Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord (v. 43).