Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 107:1–3, 17–22 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 17Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
Verse 18they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
Verse 19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress;
Verse 20he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.
Verse 21Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
Verse 22And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.
Devotion
Once again in today’s psalm we find ourselves wandering. Starting with thanksgiving, we acknowledge the Lord and the ways in which God has fully engaged in the journey of God’s people. In a response of gratitude, the psalmist reminds us that God, our Creator, is the redeemer. In the broken places, where sickness, distress, death, and destruction hovered, God gathered up God’s people from all directions. God pulled them in and held them together, not just as individuals, but also as a community.
Verses 1 and 22 of the psalm are like bookends that remind God’s beloved to respond with thanksgiving and songs of joy. What are ways in which God has restored and healed you? As you ponder this question, you are invited this day to lift up words or prayers of thanksgiving, gratitude, and perhaps even sing a song of joy!
Prayer
Healing God, we give thanks for the places you have gathered us in, held us together, and reminded us that we are deeply loved. As we serve in the world, help our words to be healing, loving, and kind to all those with whom we share the journey this day. Amen.