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
Does everything go as we anticipate? Rarely! At least it may seem that we seldom get to do anything the way that we have planned—that so little in this life goes the way we think it should. This world is not a perfect place and there are so very many things that cause us to be troubled—to be “less than comfortable.” But the psalmist wants us to be sure that God is there to go through whatever might “bring us down.” God was with those who have suffered in the past and God will be there for us as well. We are called to give thanks to God for God’s goodness and steadfast love that endures forever! Wow! Is there anything better than that! We have so much to be glad about—today, yesterday, and tomorrow! God continues to be an important part of our lives! For that, and everything that God does for us, let us continue to give praise to God!
Prayer
O God of steadfast love, give us hearts that give you the praise you deserve. Always lead us in a way that shows us how much you care for us and have always cared for us. Amen.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text?
Read more here.