Verse Text: "Who is wise? Let Him give heed to these things, and consider the lovingkindness of the Lord."
Spend some time reading through and meditating on Psalm 107.Verses 1-3 provide an opening call to worship. On what aspect of God's character does the psalmist focus his thoughts of praise? The people of God were often delivered from captivity, and Psalm 107 presents four word pictures that illustrate God's faithfulness and providence based on His everlasting lovingkindness. Each of these word pictures contains a problem, a prayer, God's provision and praise - in vv.4-9, 10-16, 17-22 and 23-32. You might want to take a piece of paper and jot down some thoughts about each word picture and how God provides deliverance. Write down the words of praise in each of these vignettes. What is the common theme?
|
|
Psalm 107 illustrates God's faithfulness and lovingkindess to travelers in distress, prisoners in a dungeon, sick men restored to health, and sailors being brought safely to their destination. You may never find yourself in any of these situations, but you CAN use the model of Psalm 107 to praise your faithful God. Is there an area of your life where you find yourself in distress of some sort? Are you experiencing a situation that is challenging your faith in some way? In the same way as this psalm illustrates, write down a prayer - a cry to the Lord. He has proven Himself faithful throughout all history, and will prove himself faithful to you as well. On what is His faithfulness toward us based? Use verse 43 as your guide. Take some time to consider. Consider the lovingkindness of the Lord in your life, and allow these thoughts to propel your heart to praise. His lovingkindness IS everlasting and his heart is turned toward you. "Tell of His works with joyful singing..." and "...extol Him also in the congregation of the people!"
|
