In Times of Trouble – Part 2

Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those He redeemed from the hand of the foe. Psalm 107:2

Last time we looked at two of the four crying out/praising Him reflections in Psalm 107:1-16, Wandering and Darkness. Today we are going to look the remaining two found in verses 17-32, Foolish Rebellion and Worldly Reliance.

3. Foolish Rebellion: (Psalm 107:17-22) Foolishness has crippled and destroyed many a person and the Bible gives stern warning regarding fools. (Proverbs 13:20). Rebellion produces affliction and leads a man into iniquity. A fool sees life through his own eyes, thinking he is on the righteous path, yet the path he travels only leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12). Are you walking the path of rebellion and foolishness, deceiving yourself into thinking you are wise? Today you can turn from the path of destruction and the grave and receive healing and new life in Jesus’ Name. All you need to do is cry out. “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He sent out His word and healed them; He rescued them from the grave. (Psalm 107:19-20). The Lord gives wisdom lavishly to all who ask. (James 1:5). The Psalmist again reminds us that God is to be praised for His wonderful deeds and that we are to tell the world of His great works. “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy.(Psalm 107:21-22)
4. Worldly Reliance: (Psalm 107:23-32) It is easy to lose focus and suddenly find ourselves relying on our own efforts and achievements, forsaking the sovereignty of God. We begin to trust in our own accomplishments, wisdom and strength, being subtly enticed to rely on everything but God. We become like a drunkard on a ship, tossed by the storms and winds of life, suddenly finding ourselves in peril and distress. Our Lord is long suffering (2 Peter 3:9) and comes to rescue the sailor tossed about by the winds and waves of life. He is the Lord of the winds and sea and He calms us in our distress. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven. (Psalm 107:28-30). The great deeds of the Lord are witness in the assembly of believers as well as to a watching world that is desperately seeking meaning and purpose. One day all the world will know that Jesus saves. Our hope is in Him and not the trappings of this world. “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt Him in the assembly of the people and praise Him in the council of the elders. (Psalm 107:31-32)

The Psalmist concludes by encouraging the reader to be wise and ponder the goodness of the Lord. “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD.” (Psalm 107:43).

Prayer
Father, I surrender any rebellion in my heart and seek Your wisdom knowing that You supply it in abundance, according to Your Word. My soul rejoices in You and with my whole heart will I praise You; mighty are the works of Your hand, my Savior and King. Amen