Psalm 107

A couple of weeks ago, I watched a video of Sabina Wurmbrand (wife of VOM founder Richard) share her testimony of imprisonment in a slave labor camp. What I found truly amazing was her reference to Psalm 107. The women actually changed their greeting to one another and would recite verse 1 of this magnificent psalm.

"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever."

In her own words Sabina said that this greeting alone changed the entire atmosphere of the prison. When you and I take the time to read Psalm 107 we can understand why. All throughout the psalm we read of different groups of people enduring hardships. Some endure these hardships based upon their own decisions. Others endure because of circumstances. Regardless of the hardship or the circumstance...in every situation when the people cried out to God they found Him merciful. Each group experienced the delivering hand of God. The psalmist would then break out in a chorus of thanksgiving to God for His goodness and His wonderful works.

Verse 43 tells us that "Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord." How true! How can anyone not read the history of the Israelites without seeing the lovingkindness (mercy) of God? Sure...we see the problems, we understand the captivity, and we can feel the bondage. But when God's people would cry out to Him, He always answered.

Have you found God to be the same in your life? How often have we had to suffer because of the consequences of our sin? How often have we found ourselves in difficult situations? When have you had to cry out to God for His intervention and deliverance? Every time I have done this He has been faithful to forgive and provide deliverance.

Our God is a merciful God. Rarely does He give us the full measure of what we deserve. In fact, when you and I read the Bible we understand that God has not dealt with us according to our transgressions against Him. No - he allowed Jesus to pay the price for our sin so that we could be set free.

I hope that you have experienced the mercy of God. Understand that you can be set free today. You do not have to carry the burden of your sin any longer. God has provided grace and mercy for you to be forgiven, cleansed, and at peace with Him. All you have to do is believe (have faith) and ask God to intervene in your life. Give Him Lordship over your life and you will experience the lovingkindness of God.

Take some time to read Psalm 107 with purpose today. When all is said and done, follow the advice of verse 2, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy."

I HAVE BEEN REDEEMED!!!