Praise God for His Great Goodness! Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! (Psalm 107:1)

Give Thanks to the Lord, for He Is Good titles Psalm 107. This chapter repeatedly describes Israel’s turning from God, being in more trouble than they can handle, returning to him, and his forgiveness of them. The first verse reminds them, and us, that God always loves his own, enough to discipline them when needed.

For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. (Hebrews 12:6)

The next verses declare what some of Israel’s children could get themselves into when they turned away from God. They wound up in deserts, prisons, cold and hungry. Some almost died in their sin and illness, or came upon huge storms as they sailed and thought they’d never survive. This chapter’s forty-three verses detail various ways the ancient Jews begged for salvation and were saved from a sure death. Though Psalm 106 describes most of the Exodus event, the same thing happened repeatedly. What does any child do when they can’t handle a situation by themselves?

As we scroll through this chapter, we notice the phrase below repeats in verses 6, 13,19, and 28. It reminds me of how many times I’ve taken a wrong turn and cried out to God myself.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, And he delivered them from their distress.

Just like an earthly parent, God rescued the Jews from their difficulties, though some of them paid for their sin with their lives, as in the 40 years wondering in the wilderness. I’m so very thankful that each time I’ve asked for help, repented of whatever way I’d been less than faithful and returned to the Lord, he heard my plea.

When our heavenly Father disciplines us, he remains faithful to hear us when we cry out in difficulty or pain. Though I’d had issues with my back for years and learned to handle it, suddenly pain hit me like I never known. I talked with my orthopedic doctor, and he gave me a pain killer that didn’t help much. Three days later he told me to go to the emergency room, and I had two fractures in my spine. Finally ready to go home, I couldn’t because pain kept me on heavy opioids and I stayed in bed most of the time. During this same period, my husband fell and could no longer walk, so our children found us a good assisted living facility.

During the next months, I prayed for help with addiction to pain medication, and God enabled me to drop to a less powerful one without major problems. When time came to get off the second opioid, I was led to spread out the time between pills until I didn’t take them. I’d heard of severe withdrawal symptoms from all opioids, but my Father heard my prayer and spared me.

While my family supported me entirely and our children who lived out of town visited as often as possible, I also knew God’s love and comfort. Times of deep awareness made me feel like God had his arms securely wrapped around me. I cannot tell how much this meant. Even though I remained in our apartment most of the time those first few months, I didn’t feel lonely. God’s peace kept me calm.

I then prayed for healing from all pain but it didn’t come. Formerly I’d lived with my husband in our own home with me doing our light housework and driving wherever we wanted or needed. Now we stayed in an assisted living residence, and I’m no long able to drive because I’m not strong enough. I carry a cushion for my back, use a walker, and deal with moderate pain. It isn’t a scenario I want, but my loving heavenly Father enables me to be content in the situation.

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. (Philippians 4:11b)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. (2 Corinthians 1:3)

In a tragic instance, my friend Susan’s husband had a major heart attack and died within three days. During that time, Susan naturally reached out to family and friends for prayer. Later she told me how she thanked God for those three days to sit beside her husband and say good-bye.

Susan lived far from her family and wanted to move closer, but had to sell her home and buy one in the new location. Would it be difficult to sell her home? It was one story and most around her had two floors; would that be a hindrance? What were prices in the new area? Could she afford something similar to what she had? As all these questions swirled through her mind, Susan asked for God’s wisdom and guidance.

Since an open house was scheduled for a particular weekend, Susan used that time to go find another home near her family. God worked a miracle for Susan, selling her home and leading her to another, all on the same weekend! Out of tragedy, God blessed Susan, and her praises rang out to all who knew her.

Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, For his wondrous works to the children of man!

This thanksgiving repeats in verses 8, 15, 21 and 31. Truly, our merciful Father God abundantly forgives us when we ask. That’s what the cross of Jesus is all about – so we can be forgiven each time we put something ahead of God. The last verse of Psalm 107 sums up the entire chapter. Therefore, let’s remember to repent when we go against God’s word, to turn to Him when we face any kind of difficulty and then to give our heavenly Father paise for his help in our situation.

Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; Let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord. (Psalm 107:43 ESV)

Sandra Meyer