“Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He sent out His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man! And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of His deeds in songs of joy!” Psalm 107:17-22
Devotional Thought For The Day
The commentators note that “sinful ways” and “iniquities” bring about “affliction” and suffering. This is a simple and direct dynamic that we often observe, and frequently it requires no direct action on the part of God; suffering is simply a direct consequence of sinful behavior. This is not to say that all suffering is necessarily directly caused by some specific sin; we must always keep in mind the warning of Jesus [Luke 13:1-5]. In fact, it is a great wickedness to judge others simply because they are suffering and Jesus warns that those who impenitently do so may bring the same suffering upon themselves. Thankfully, God often has compassion and mercy and “softens” or diverts the just consequences of our sin. If it were not so none of us would have any length of days or years but we would all quickly suffer the wages of sin [Rom. 6:23]. At the same time, this reality should be observed as a warning against complacency; our sin also brings troubles, afflictions, and suffering to us.
The psalmist’s purpose is to highlight the gracious mercy and forgiveness of God, His steadfast love and eagerness to deliver us from all of our distress and trouble. When we “cry” to the Lord in repentance, seeking His gracious mercy and help, He responds with “wondrous works.” Most importantly, He has delivered us from our sin and guilt in the gift of His Son, our glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our sins are forgiven through the redemption in His blood [Eph. 1:7], and He is the blood atonement for the sins of the whole world [1 Jn. 2:2]. And often He also provides us with healing and deliverance from our troubles even in this earthly life. Even when in His inscrutable wisdom He allows our thorns in the flesh to continuing plaguing us He assures us that His grace will be sufficient for us, and that His power and strength will sustain us [2 Cor. 12:7-10]. So His Word assures us that as we live in repentance, confession, and faith in His redeeming love, He is faithful to strengthen and keep us safe and secure until our entrance into His heavenly glory.
The proper response to all of the mercies of God are thanks and praise to Him. In fact, we are to offer “sacrifices of thanksgiving” for His wondrous works to us. This is critical. We must never offer sacrifices in order to obtain His grace, mercy, and favor; this is what God has done for us in the sacrifice of His Son, the Lord Jesus, and we already have the fullness of His blessings and love in Christ Jesus. Rather, it is always because of what He has done for us, in gratitude for His love, mercy, forgiveness, life and salvation in Christ Jesus that we seek to serve Him. Our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; His righteousness is perfect. It is only because of His cleansing forgiveness and mercy that our righteousnesses are accounted worthy and acceptable, as good fruit that remains, good works that follow us into eternity. And the more aware we become of His love, the greatness of His mercy and grace, the more eager we are to offer these sacrifices of thanksgiving.
It is our privilege, and the will of God, that we also bear witness to His love and His wondrous works to other people as we “tell of His deeds in songs of joy.” He also desires to have mercy and compassion on others whose sins and iniquities bring them into suffering, affliction, distress, and trouble. This is one of the principle purposes of the church on earth, to continue bearing witness to God’s love and salvation that others may come to know Him and receive His blessings. In this way God continues to woo us away from works of darkness and to transform hearts and minds and lives – to the praise of His glorious grace. May all congregations of His people, all who bear His Name, be so constituted and centered in His steadfast love and wondrous works, that His deeds and love are continuously celebrated in songs of joy, and that sacrifices of thanksgiving abound. To this the psalmist calls us and encourages us.
Prayer For The Day
Dear Lord Jesus, thanks and praise be to You for Your wondrous works of love and salvation, for all of Your mercy and compassion upon us, for the deliverance and health You provide for us. Keep us mindful of the dangers of sin. Remind us to call upon You in all our troubles. Help us to see the greatness of Your love and protection, that we sing Your praise to others and eagerly engage in sacrifices of thanksgiving. So bless, strengthen, preserve, and extend Your church. Amen.