Psalm 107: 1-3, 23-32 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 107: 1-3, 23-32 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Verse 2Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble
Verse 3and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
Verse 23Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty waters;
Verse 24they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep.
Verse 25For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.
Verse 26They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their calamity;
Verse 27they reeled and staggered like drunkards, and were at their wits' end.
Verse 28Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress;
Verse 29he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Verse 30Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
Verse 31Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
Verse 32Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
Devotion
Argh, TRAFFIC! I just got to work after being in traffic for an hour and a half. There was an accident and I foolishly ignored the signs warning drivers of a crash. When I finally got to my office, I opened my Bible to Psalm 107 and read how the LORD is good and has gathered his people “from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.” The beginning of the psalm yanked me out of my driving hangover and caused me to pause and give thanks.
The psalm goes on to describe the state of the people gathered. Some wandered in desert wastes, some were prisoners in darkness and gloom, and some were sick. I had a stressful start to my day, but my inconveniences were minor compared to what the people at the crash were going through, or even compared to what the Israelites endured. God is, and was, and forever will be gathering his people in and through all their personal struggles. Whether our complaints and issues are major or minor, they can all be an opportunity for God to work in our lives.
Prayer
Redeeming Lord, you remind us that there is no situation too big or too small for you. Help us to recognize you when we are at our wits’ end. We put our hope for today in you. Be with those who suffer mightily today. Amen.