107:1ff This psalm speaks of four different types of people in distress and how God rescues them: wanderers (107:4-9), prisoners (107:10-16), the distressed (107:17-20), and the storm-tossed (107:23-30). No matter how extreme our calamity, God is able to help us. He is loving and kind to those who are distressed.
107:1, 2 God has done so much for us, and we have so much for which to thank him (see Psalm 103). He wants us to tell everyone all that he has done. These verses are not so much a mandate to witness as a declaration that when we live in God’s presence, we will not be able to keep this glorious experience to ourselves (see also Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20). What has God done for you? Is there someone you can tell?
107:4-9 Lost, hungry, thirsty, and exhausted, these wanderers typify the Israelites in exile. But they also typify anyone who has not found the satisfaction that comes from knowing God. Anyone who recognizes his or her own lostness can receive the offer of Jesus to satisfy these needs. Jesus is the way (John 14:6), the bread of life (John 6:33, 35), the living water (John 4:10-14), and the giver of rest (Matthew 11:28-30). Have you received his life-giving offer?
107:10-16 Do you know anyone who is in prison? Most people think that those in prison deserve whatever misery they experience as punishment for their crimes. But God loves all men and women no matter how far they have fallen. He wants to reach them with his love and dispel the gloom they face (Matthew 25:34-46). Throughout the world, people are imprisoned for their faith; others suffer as victims of injustice. Can you reach out to them? Pray for those in prison. Pray for ministries and Christian chaplains who take God’s message of love and forgiveness to prisoners. What can you do to support these efforts?
107:17-20 Fools and rebels surely bring trouble upon themselves. This psalm offers hope for those who have made a mess of their lives. By receiving God’s free gift of forgiveness (Micah 7:18-20; 1 John 1:9), anyone can begin a new life and break with the past (see Romans 3:23-26; 2 Corinthians 5:17). By faith in Christ, we can break addictions, heal memories, and restore broken relationships. If we ask Christ to take control of our lives, he will answer us. His love reaches even those who have rebelled against him.
107:32 Those who have never truly suffered may not appreciate God as much as those who have matured under hardship. Those who have seen God work in times of distress have a deeper insight into his loving-kindness. If you have experienced great trials, you have the potential for great praise.