Day 123 – Psalm 106-107

Talking Points

• God’s people are to praise the Lord, to glorify the Lord, to tell others of His greatness! Over and over throughout Scripture, we find the pattern of remembering what God has done and the gracious, powerful ways in which He has done it. Evidently, the Israelites were, and we are a people prone to forget and move on. Oh, the mighty works of God in all ages!
• Repeated throughout Psalm 107 is the line, “Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!” Lovingkindness means His mercy, goodness, or kindness. It holds the idea of God condescending to the needs of His creation. Remember — God remembers our frame. He remembers us. And, He meets our needs in His mercy, goodness, and love. May we not forget His lovingkindness.
• Understanding the grace and mercy of God requires a serious look at sin — our sin. Israel is reminded they are rebellious and sinful. Even as, time and time again, God saves them, they are quick to turn back to sin. That sin makes them “prisoners in misery and chains,” dwelling “in darkness and in the shadow of death” (107:10). And, then, once they understand that, they can celebrate knowing God is the Savior. To them, “He sent His word and healed them” (107:20). For us today, He also has sent the Word, Jesus, and He has saved us from the misery and chains of sin!

Thoughts

What a great and needed reminder in this ancient song: “Be glad!” We, of all people, are to be glad. Sometimes we are so overcome by the cares of the world, we get so discouraged with the hardships of life, that we are dull and downtrodden. We plod through life, no different than the lost souls around us. We trudge along, despairing in each step. How terrible! And, how silly!

Our God is great! Our salvation is secure! Our future is unimaginable! Our hope is well-founded! Our victory is at hand! Be glad! Be glad!

“Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

Be glad.