May 18, 2011

Psalm 107:1-22 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 13:32-37, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, 2 Samuel 3-4

Journal Entry

Scripture

1(A) Oh give thanks to the LORD,(B) for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2Let(C) the redeemed of the LORD say so,
whom he has(D) redeemed from trouble[a]
3and(E) gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
4Some(F) wandered in desert wastes…
6Then they(I) cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress….
8(L) Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
9For he(M) satisfies the longing soul,
(N) and the hungry soul he fills with good things.

Observation

In this passage, the psalmist repeatedly illustrates how the Jews, during their return from exile in Babylon, failed to acknowledge the true source of their blessings: God. They wandered aimlessly throughout the land while being thirsty and hungry for food. It is only at this time that they cry out to the Lord while wallowing in their own self-pity. And yet, God again expresses His grace, mercy and love for these children of His and rescues them from their self-created distress. It should be noted that within this 22 verse passage, verse 8 is repeated no less than three times. Remarkably, after being rescued by God, rather than changing their ways, the Jews revert back to their old ways, failing to appreciate and/or love God while straying away from Him yet again.

Application

Failing to enter a state of complete surrender continues to be a shortcoming of mine. I was truly inspired and revived by the Deacon Ordination that took place last night. Nevertheless, being a “prisoner of the moment” has never been (and never will be) the right means to draw closer to God. I must continue to PROACTIVELY pursue the love relationship that God so desires while also treasuring His Word even more.

Prayer

Dear God:
Forgive me, Lord, for I continue to fall so short of your righteousness. May I always seek to work and glorify You in accordance with Your plan (NOT mine). Please bless me with patience and eliminate all anxieties as I seek to be guided by your will that is truly the sovereign plan. Allow me to never go astray from your will that must be the guide for the balance of my life. Thank you, God, for allowing me to share my thoughts with respect to this passage to my fellow brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

--Dean Park