In Psalm 107 we read of the Israelite people, who wandered in the wilderness (vs. 4) and experienced many distresses.
I would say that with the current situation in our world today, many of us are facing some stressful situations, such as sickness, health issues, jobs, finances, loss of loved ones, tension and stress from political issues, and for many Christians, persecution is prevailing.
Psalms is a great book to read at times like these, when we are faced with fear, frustrations, hurt and stress.
Psalm 107 emphasizes FOUR times that God’s people cried to the Lord, and God delivered them out of their distress.
“Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28 kjv
Isn’t God faithful and merciful to us, even when we don’t deserve it?! What He did way back in Bible times, He’s still able to do today!
Side note: It’s important to remember that reading our Bible increases our faith by reminding us of God’s ceaseless mighty power and provisions.
Psalm 107 also mentions FOUR times the urgency of praising the Lord God for His goodness and wonderful works in our life.
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Psalms 107:8,15,21,31 kjv
I would say that if God’s people hadn’t spent so much time grumbling and complaining, they would have easily seen the hand of God taking care of them each step of the way. Their stress level would have certainly been amazingly diminished if they’d been doing more praising than murmuring.
TIP: Just remembering how BIG our God is can reduce our stress! Oh, how we need our daily dose of God’s Word!
But here’s something for us to do while in the wilderness… PRAISE the LORD.
Don’t forget to PRAISE the LORD even while you’re waiting for your prayers to be answered… even while you’re hurting and facing a mountain of frustration.
From my own personal experience, I know singing praises to the Lord during my darkest hours have been the most encouraging and strengthening thing I could have done. It also showed Satan that I would not cave into his scheme to destroy my FAITH.
Whatever your “storm” or “wilderness” trial may be right now, know that God is always in control. He is presently there (you are not alone), and He is able to make your storm calm and your dry wilderness to be watered with grace, strength and provisions. And praise Him for it!
Take a closer look at these three verses from Psalms 107:
“For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.” – Psalm 107:25 kjv
“He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.” Psalm 107:29 kjv
“He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings” – Psalm 107:35 kjv
Psalm 107 is a great reminder today of God’s providential care, His mercy and love for us. The last verse in this chapter is a fitting end for today’s mini devotional…
“Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.” – Psalm 107:43
