Psalm 107

I love paraphrasing scripture. A deep understanding of the text is required in order to write an accurate summary. Being able to rewrite the concept in my own words often brings about an understanding that might have otherwise escaped me.

Today I was pondering the words of Psalm 107. I’ve read it many times over the past several weeks. I’ve found that to truly understand a passage of scripture I must read it many times over. As I read this passage for the fourth or fifth time I noticed two sets of recurring words.

“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.”

“Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love.”

I also noticed another pattern; a problem was presented, the people cried to the Lord, he saved them, they are commanded to give thanks. Although the struggles were different, the solution was always the same!

Anyway, enough teacher explanation here’s my paraphrase of Psalm 107. May it leave you basking in the warmth of his presence. All glory to him.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

He redeems his loved ones from trouble through his steadfast love.

You may be wandering in the desert or sitting in the darkness of prison.

You may be suffering the consequences of your own foolish sin.

You may be overwhelmed by the immensity of trouble in your life.

Yet here is your reality…

Cry to the Lord in your trouble and he will deliver you from your distress.

And when he delivers you, thank him for his steadfast love.

Thank him for his wondrous acts of mercy.

For he satisfies the hungry soul with more of himself;

He shatters down the barriers that keep us from abiding in him.

So offer your will to him as an act of thanksgiving.

Tell the world of your joy.

Share victories with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

And remember, God is the ultimate authority.

He can change your desert to a spring or leave you parched with nothing to drink.

The decision is up to you, a product of your posture to him.

Recognizing his sovereignty will bring you blessings and joy;

Trying to make it on your own will leave you in contempt.

So seek out wisdom; trust in God.

Live daily in the joy of his steadfast love.