“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
Psalm 107 reveals the mercy of God. The first and last verses speak of it. The Psalm tells about four situations that show His mercy. These are in verses 1-8, 9-15, 16-21, and 22-31. In each, people found themselves in difficulties. In each, the people looked to God, and in each God delivered them. Each section ends with a note of praise to God.
In Psalm 107: 4,5, we read, “They (those who the Lord had redeemed from the enemy) wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.” This reminds of the wanderings of Israel after they left Egypt. They knew not where they were going, and needed food and drink. Continuing in verses 6 and 7 we read, “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.” Because they cried unto the LORD, God in His mercy provided them with what they needed and led them to where they were going.
Jesus said in Luke 12:27-30, “Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.” He knows what we need! In Matthew 6:8 Jesus said that God knows what we need before we ask. Just as God in His mercy cared for wandering Israel, so can we trust Him, too.
In Psalm 107:10-12 God wrote, “Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.” Here we hear of those who are afflicted because they ignore God’s Words. Their hearts were brought down by labor, and when they fell down they had nobody to help them. These things God brought upon them because they ignored Him. Continuing, we read in verse 13 and 14, “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.” Though they were in their troubles for ignoring God, He came to their aid when they asked. What mercy!
In John 8:12 we read, “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” Those who follow Jesus do not sit in darkness because Jesus is the Light of the world. In Luke 4:4, Jesus, quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3, saying, “…It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.” The real source of life is what God says, His words. Obeying Him is life. Ignoring Him brings labor and darkness.
Then in Psalm 107:17, 18 we read, “Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.” This goes a step further from the previous. They ignored God’s word, so that they are in their iniquities, and are afflicted. Their souls were famished. They desired nothing of spiritual value. Continuing in verses 19 and 20 we read, “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” They appealed to God in their situation, and God heard and delivered them by sending to them back to the Word that they had ignored. Our souls are fed by spiritual food, God’s Word. Their relief came in paying attention to His Word and obeying Him.
Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s word is what mankind needs to live lives that honor God. And again we see that God was ready to help when they asked. Again we see His mercy.
Psalm 107:24-27 says, “They that go down into the sea see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.” A storm on the sea is terrifying. The trials of those who do business in the see were so severe, the storms were so great, that they were like drunken men. Continuing in verses 28 to 30 we read, “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” In this case, the trials are in the form of natural disasters which are beyond men’s control. In God’s mercy He is ready and able to help even in the storms.
In Mark 4:37-39 we read, “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” The sea is under God’s control, it calms at His command.
Verses 6, 13, 19, and 28 are identical and tell of the people turning to God; “Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” It is astounding, and reassuring, to see that no matter their situation, He delivered them from out of their distresses when they cried to Him. In each of these four cases we read of God’s mercy, care, and deliverance for the people.
Verses 8, 15, 21, and 31 are also identical. These verses are appeals to praise God. All of mankind should praise God for His goodness and for His wonderful works on their behalf. Oh, that they would! It is said four times in this psalm. Israel, and by extension, mankind, have gotten themselves into difficulties by ignoring God. Yet He sends relief! He reconciled mankind to Himself through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God’s heart toward mankind is revealed. What mercy! What grace! What love! What praise is due to Him!
Spiritually speaking, mankind is wandering, under death, under sin, and beset by things that are out of our control. Ultimately, our only hope is to call upon God in our distresses. Psalm 107 reveals that God hears every feeble cry of dependence on Him, and works to deliver those that trust Him. Oh, that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!
The writer ended the psalm with, “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness (mercy) of the LORD.” This is Who God is. He rightly deserves praise from us, and He is merciful to us. It is wisdom to depend on God even in our failures. He is merciful!
God is good! I will not fear
The trials that await me here;
His promises are true and sure;
His Word forever must endure.
Refrain
O blessèd hope, O joy indeed,
His mercy covers all my need!
God is good! His love to me
Is broad and boundless as the sea.
God is good! His hand supplies;
I cannot need what He denies.
I’ll trust His love from day to day,
And follow where He leads the way.
Refrain
God is good! He will not fail,
Tho’ Satan’s fiery darts assail;
I trust His grace from hour to hour,
And do not fear the tempter’s power.
Refrain (Charles H. Gabriel)