God’s Renewing Word of Mercy and Forgiveness
Introduction
Psalm 107:1-22: Today’s reading is the first half of a psalm that speaks of God’s unfailing love by describing God’s saving acts in four instances – coming to the aid of those wandering in the desert, rescuing those suffering in prison, healing the sick and those close to death, and rescuing those in trouble at sea – saving all from their distress. The first three saving acts are recounted in today’s reading.
Scripture Reading
In Praise of God’s Goodness
107 “Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good;
his love is eternal!”
2 Repeat these words in praise to the Lord,
all you whom he has saved.
He has rescued you from your enemies
3 and has brought you back from foreign countries,
from east and west, from north and south.
4 Some wandered in the trackless desert
and could not find their way to a city to live in.
5 They were hungry and thirsty
and had given up all hope.
6 Then in their trouble they called to the Lord,
and he saved them from their distress.
7 He led them by a straight road
to a city where they could live.
8 They must thank the Lord for his constant love,
for the wonderful things he did for them.
9 He satisfies those who are thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things.
10 Some were living in gloom and darkness,
prisoners suffering in chains,
11 because they had rebelled against the commands of Almighty God
and had rejected his instructions.
12 They were worn out from hard work;
they would fall down, and no one would help.
13 Then in their trouble they called to the Lord,
and he saved them from their distress.
14 He brought them out of their gloom and darkness
and broke their chains in pieces.
15 They must thank the Lord for his constant love,
for the wonderful things he did for them.
16 He breaks down doors of bronze
and smashes iron bars.
17 Some were fools, suffering because of their sins
and because of their evil;
18 they couldn’t stand the sight of food
and were close to death.
19 Then in their trouble they called to the Lord,
and he saved them from their distress.
20 He healed them with his command
and saved them from the grave.
21 They must thank the Lord for his constant love,
for the wonderful things he did for them.
22 They must thank him with sacrifices,
and with songs of joy must tell all that he has done.
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 107:1
“Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good; his love is eternal.”
Reflect
Today’s psalm opens with a verse that affirms God’s eternal love, and instruction to repeat these words follow (verse 2). Why is it important to remember these words? The psalm recounts many of God’s acts of love and grace. How can telling stories about God’s love and grace enhance your praise and strengthen your faith? How can hearing other people’s stories deepen your understanding of God? Note verses 8, 15, and 21. What is the significance of this verse being repeated three times throughout today’s reading? In what ways will you thank God for his constant love?
Pray
God, I give thanks to you because your love is eternal! You care for your people in every time and place, being present with us in whatever situations we face. May the stories of your constant love deepen my faith and the faith of others. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 107:23-43: The psalm concludes with an affirmation of God’s constant love.