Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-073 Sunday 14 Apr 2002

Reading: PSALM 107 – REAL NEEDS, REAL ANSWERS

(From ‘Encounter with God’ Bible Reading Notes)

‘We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him’. (Rom 8:28) Meditate on what ‘all things’ includes.

Despite its length, this psalm easily divides into five shorter sections, four of which conclude with an invitation to ‘give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love, and his wonderful deeds’ (vs 8,15,21,31). Similarly, the first and last verses challenge us to consider the greatness of God’s love.

Four sections tell familiar stories of human need: alienation and longing for community; bondage and slavery; physical illness and affliction; and danger from nature. Each recounts how the Lord demonstrates his love by delivering those who call on him, providing safe haven, healing; deliverance, and homecoming.

In each case; God’s salvation is both practical and concrete: God responds to real needs with real answers. Some of these calamities are the sufferer’s own fault (vs 11;17), others seem of God’s making (v 25), while still others do not yield to simple explanation. The final section again suggests that some calamities are directly caused by God. In this case; famine and drought are said to be God’s response to human wickedness (vs 33;34).

Yet the converse does not follow: fruitfulness and prosperity are not said to be the reward of human faithfulness, but simply reflect God’s generosity in providing for our need. Nor are the faithful exempt from suffering: even those whom the Lord has blessed may later find themselves in want. All that is promised is that God will rescue them once more (vs 39-41).

The psalmist is convinced that, despite great suffering and painful setbacks, all things have a purpose in God’s sight, even if as Jesus himself knew, consolation usually comes after, not instead of suffering.

As you marvel at the psalmist’s confidence, remember how God has provided for you in the past, and let this reassure you that your pressing needs will be met.

– Rev Dr Michael Knowles

Copyright Scripture Union, 2002

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