S--Psalm 107
O--God has redeemed and gathered His people from all directions. Some were in the desert, homeless, starving, hopeless. When they cried out to the Lord, He delivered them and gave them hope and a future. Some lived in darkness with the threat of death, imprisoned in body and soul because of their own rebellion. When they cried out to the Lord, He delivered them from darkness into light, and from death to life. Some were foolish, starving themselves to near death, their bodies showing the signs of their sinful choices. When they cried out to the Lord, He delivered them from their anxiety and depression, speaking a healing Word and turning them to a constructive path. Some could see God's power in the depths and strength of the sea, even as they were terrified for their lives. When they cried out to the Lord, He calmed the storm and brought them safely home. God can turn to rivers into deserts; springs overflowing into dusty, dry ground; a productive land into a wasteland. He can do the opposite of this, too--dry land into a healthily soaked land; springs of water in the place of a parched land. By the blessings of God, the hungry have a city in which to live and thrive. The needy have the protection and provision they have missed. The ones who are interested in righteous living see this redemption and are full of joy. Wickedness has nothing to say and nothing to offer in the presence of God. Consider the unwavering love of the Lord and let your study of it bring you to a place of attention and wisdom.
A--This chapter changes me by challenging me to follow the pattern of these verses. I've never literally been starving, homeless, in prison, (however, I have had my share of anxiety 😢) but I have been all of these things spiritually. I tried all kinds of "self-help", "pulling myself up by my bootstraps" mentality. But it's only when I cry out to the Lord in my trouble that I can truly see His power to deliver and His great, single-minded love for me. Only in the redemption offered through the One who made us and gave Himself for us can we find hope, satisfaction, light, life, freedom, healing, and safe passage to our desired haven.
K--Lord, you not only give us wisdom, You ARE wisdom. Draw my mind and my heart to attention to the wisdom of Your words, Your works, and Your steadfast love. Give me courage to applaud You in public, making Your name famous by the testimony of Your work in my life.
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