LifeLink Devotional

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Psalms 107:2, 8 Let the redeemed of the LORD say this—give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love.

The 107^th Psalm is a marvelous testimony to God’s redeeming love that rescues us from sin. Every person who has been saved from their sin is given reason to praise the Lord for His unfailing love. That’s because every saved person can relate to one of the sinful scenarios that is presented here.

The first group of people described are those who have no purpose in life, and wander aimlessly hoping to find satisfaction somewhere.

Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.(vs. 4-5)

But God rescues them. He gives them direction. He fills them with good things that satisfy.

He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle…he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.(vs. 7,9)

Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love that redeems us from a purposeless and unfulfilling life.

The second group of people described are those who are in the prison of guilt and shame because of their sin. They are depressed and in despair because they have no hope of forgiveness. They are captives of their own choices.

Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains, for they had rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High.(vs. 10-11)

But God sets them free. The power of His love expressed in His unconditional forgiveness of sins breaks their chains and opens the doors of their prisons.

He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and broke away their chains. He breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.(vs. 14, 16)

Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love that redeems us from the consequences of our sin and restores our hope.

The third group of people described are those who have become fools because of the consistency of their selfish choices. They are so self-absorbed and self-serving that they have lost the ability to make wise decisions about anything in life, including the need to eat and stay healthy. Their pursuit of sin to produce pleasure has become an addiction and has taken them to the doorway of death.

Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.(vs. 17-18)

But God sends forth the truth of His Word and heals them. The desires of sin are destroyed, and the water of life springs up from within them and redeems them from the grave.

He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.(vs. 20)

Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love that redeems us from the addictions of sin and gives us eternal life.

The last group of people described are those who are simply living according to the standards and pursuits of the world’s system. They appear average in every way. They are involved in business. They hold good jobs. They are responsible citizens. But they are overwhelmed by their inability to control the outcomes of their lives. They feel helpless. They are at the mercy of forces beyond their control. They blame the economy, the government, and society for all that is going wrong with their plans. They have put their faith and trust in the system, rather than in the Savior, and they are reeling like drunken men, and they are at their wit’s end. They have no peace. Their desire to find security has left them more vulnerable than ever.

Others went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters…They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits’ end. (vs. 24-27)

But God comes and calms the storms of life. He brings peace and security. He gives us rest in a preferred haven.

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)

Give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love that redeems us from discontent and fear and fills us with peace.

Jesus said, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor (group 1). He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners (group 2) and recovery of sight for the blind (group 3), to release the oppressed (group 4), to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Let the redeemed of the Lord who now know His favor say this – “Thank you, Jesus, for your unfailing love!”

Pastor John