The current financial crisis is considered by many economists to be the worst since the Great Depression of the of the 1930s. It resulted in the collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks by national governments, and downturns in stock markets around the world. In many areas, the housing market had also suffered, resulting in numerous evictions, foreclosures and prolonged unemployment. It contributed to the failure of key businesses, declines in consumer wealth estimated in the trillions of U.S. dollars, and a significant decline in economic activity, leading to a severe global economic recession. Psalm 107 has application not only to the economic welfare of a nation, but the quality of life for its people. Government policy can help, but true vitality and a great society come from one’s relationship with God.
Give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and eternal lovingkindness. He redeemed us from the adversary and gathered us from the lands (Ps. 107:1-3). God redeems you from the adversary because He is good and loving.
The Lord delivered them out of their distresses when they cried out to Him while wandering in the wilderness with hungry souls. He led them by a straight way to an inhabited city. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His lovingkindness in satisfying their thirsty and hungry souls, which He filled with what is good (Ps. 107:4-9). God delivers, guides and satisfies you with goodness.
Some lived as prisoners in misery, darkness, chains and shadow of death since they rebelled against God’s words and counsel. When He humbled their heart with labor, they cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death while breaking their bands apart. Let them give thanks for He shattered gates of bronze and cut bars of iron (Ps. 107:10-16). God breaks bands of bondage and removes darkness and death.
God afflicted fools because of their rebellion and iniquities. Because their soul abhorred food, they drew near to death. They cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word, healed them and delivered them from their destruction. Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and tell of His works with joyful singing (Ps. 107:17-22). God sends His word to heal and deliver you from destruction.
Those who do business in ships saw the Lord’s works when storms arose, their soul melted away in misery, staggered like a drunken man and were at wits’ end. They cried out to the Lord in their trouble and He brought them out of their distresses. He stilled the storm and guided them to their desired haven. Let them extol Him in the congregation and praise Him at the seat of the elders (Ps. 107:23-32). God stills the storm and brings you to your desired destination.
He changes rivers into a wilderness, springs of water into thirsty ground and fruitful land into a salt waste because of wickedness of those living there. He changes the wilderness into a pool of water and dry land into springs of water so they can gather a fruitful harvest and multiply greatly after sowing fields and planting vineyards (Ps. 107:33-38). God brings fruitfulness to business, economy and the land.
When they are diminished and bowed down through oppression, misery and sorrow, He pours contempt upon princes and makes them wander in a pathless waste. But He sets the needy securely on high, away from affliction, and makes his families like a flock. All unrighteousness shuts its mouth, but the wise give heed to these things and considers the Lord’s lovingkindness (Ps. 107:39-43). God exalts and protects the needy from affliction when they consider God’s ways.
Consider the benefits of God:
1. He redeems you from the adversary
2. He delivers, guides and satisfies you with goodness
3. He breaks bands and removes darkness and death
4. He sends His word to heal and deliver you from destruction
5. He stills the storm and brings you to your desired destination
6. He brings fruitfulness to business, economy and the land
7. He exalts and protects the needy from affliction when they consider God’s ways
Which one is most meaningful to you and why?
In response, praise and thank God for His lovingkindness.
