Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 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 23Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty waters;
Verse 24they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep.
Verse 25For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea.
Verse 26They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their calamity;
Verse 27they reeled and staggered like drunkards, and were at their wits' end.
Verse 28Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out from their distress;
Verse 29he made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Verse 30Then they were glad because they had quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.
Verse 31Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
Verse 32Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
Devotion
It's a secret! What is more intriguing to a child (or an adult!) than a secret? Yet, the psalmist says all people redeemed from trouble by the Lord should "say so."
This call to speak up was answered by my childhood Sunday School classmates as we boisterously sang the chorus, "It is no secret what God can do" (Stuart Hamblen, 1952). The song's verses recount daily troubles of slips, falls, darkness and wanderings as well as feeling weak, disheartened, fearful and alone. However, the refrain always reminded us that God meets everyone with "arms wide open" and pardoning grace.
Like this childhood refrain, the psalmist reminds us to give God thanks for redeeming us and to extol the Lord for God's "wonderful works to humankind." God's steadfast love is not for us alone nor is it a secret. Let us enthusiastically praise God in our congregations, assemblies and throughout the world!
Prayer
Steadfast God,we give you thanks and praise for redeeming us from the troubles of our daily lives. Remind us that your steadfast love is not a secret; it is for all people. Give us the courage to proclaim boldly your grace. Amen.