Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
Verse 2Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble
Verse 3and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
Verse 17Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
Verse 18they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
Verse 19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress;
Verse 20he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.
Verse 21Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
Verse 22And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.
Devotion
God's awesome power is on display in this psalm. The thanksgiving offered by the psalmist reflects God's love in action. God offers deliverance from danger, distress and destruction. God satisfies the hungry, rescues the prisoners and calms stormy seas, just to name a few examples. Perhaps we have not experienced such calamities, but we all remember when we saw the loving hand of God in our lives. As we remember these events we can, like the psalmist, offer our praise for such an extravagant generosity.
Prayer
Generous giver of all good gifts, thank you. Amen.