Psalm 107 vs 23-43 - The loving deeds of the LORD

Psalm 107 vs 23-43 - The loving deeds of the LORD

Read: Psalm 107 vs 23-43

The theme of ‘God’s unfailing love’ continues on today as we come to the second part of Psalm 107. Everywhere the Psalmist looks they see evidences of the LORD’s wonderful deeds, be that ‘in the deep’ (vs 24), in the desert (vs 33), in times of distress (vs 28), and in times of provision (vs 41). 

One of the things that all the Psalms are very aware of is that there are things that only God can do. This particular Psalm paints a picture of a group of people going out on the sea in a ship (vs 23). All around them they see great things (vs 24), but in the midst of their voyage a tempest blows up around them, the waves are lifted high and suddenly the courage of these seasoned sailors melts away (vs 25-26). The situation is desperate, at ‘their wits’ end’ they cry out to the LORD in their trouble, and miraculously He intervenes:

‘He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.

They were glad when it grew calm and He guided them to their desired haven.’ (vs 29-30)

The first disciples, young me who left everything to follow Jesus, would have known these Psalms very very well. In Mark 4 vs 35-41 we read of how on one occasion they found themselves out in a boat, something they would have been no strangers to. A furious squall came up, waves broke over the boat and in desperation and fear they cried out … to Jesus. Miraculously Jesus intervened: ‘He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.’ (vs 39).

This story reminds us that Jesus can do what only God can do. He can bring calm in the stormiest of places. But this story also answers the disciples’ most troubling question: ‘Teacher, don’t you care?’

The Psalms speak to us not only of God’s power but of His unfailing love, a love that has reached down in the Lord Jesus Christ, a love that goes ahead of us today.

Prayer: Father Your works are wonderful. Thank You also for Your love, which is unending, and which has come near in the Lord Jesus. In His Name we give You thanks. Amen.