I recently joined a new to me group of ladies who love Jesus. One specific thing stood out to me as we prayed out loud together. Nobody prayed for themselves or particular situations. Each person said a short sentence prayer praising Jesus for Who He is. It was refreshing and thought provoking for me. I was reminded of how often I get trapped in praying for all the things that I or the people around me need and do not focus on saying Thank You.
Psalm 107 is a Psalm about thankfulness. In fact, the following verse is repeated 4 times in this one Psalm.
They must thank the Lord for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them.
Psalm 107:8,15,21, and 31)
The author of this Psalm obviously encourages the people to be thankful to God. It is so easy to get caught up in the trenches of life that we lose focus on giving thanks. Psalm 107 describes 5 different areas in which God has been faithful to His people.
He is a God of Deliverance – Then in their trouble they called to the Lord and he saved them from their distress. Psalm 107:6
He is a God of Guidance – He led them by a straight road to a city where they could live. Psalm 107:7
He is a God of Provision – He satisfies those who are thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9
He is a God of Protection – He calmed the raging storm, and the waves became quiet. They were glad because of the calm, and he brought them safe to the port they wanted. Psalm 107:29-30
He is a God of Blessings – He changed deserts into pools of water and dry land into flowing springs. He let hungry people settle there, and they built a city to live in. They sowed the fields and planted grapevines and reaped an abundant harvest. He blessed his people, and they had many children; he kept their herds of cattle from decreasing. Psalm 107:35-38
He is a God who delivers, guides, provides, protects and blesses. As I think of all these areas and what God has done in my life, I realize I do not thank Him enough. But I can start right now. God has been so faithful to me and I have the opportunity to thank Him for the numerous ways He delivers me from trials, guides me through difficult situations, provides in unexpected ways, protects me from harm, and blesses me beyond measure.
May this Psalm remind us to thank God every day for all that He has given.
Give thanks to the Lord, because he is good; his love is eternal! Repeat these words in praise to the Lord, all you whom he has saved.
Psalm 107:1-2