Psalm 107 is a passage I keep rereading, fascinated by the patterns and similarities between the four main stories depicted there.
Telling stories makes me tick. I love it. I’ve always enjoyed reading stories and some days I pinch myself when I realise that I actually get to tell stories every day. I truly believe testimonies are a non-threatening way to share the power of God at work in our lives with those who may not know Him yet.
And the passage starts by imploring, “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe” (Psalm 107:2).
The verse above is found in the opening lines, which establish what the psalm is all about. God is redeeming people from all four points of the compass. Then from verse 4, we get four stories, almost archetypal, models of how God can redeem and restore broken humanity. The stories are universal, introduced by the word “some” (ie some people).
In each of the four “testimony” poems, within the larger chapter, we have a description of the conditions the individuals find themselves in, before a turning point comes upon them—a moment of desperation—and they cry out to God. In each, God responds, each time breaking down and distinctly addressing the problems brought up in the opening lines of the poem.
Then there is a call for the reader/listener to give praise to God for “his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind” (this phrase is repeated all four times).
So let’s look at each story in more depth. The first story depicts those who “wandered in the desert wastelands” and suffered hunger and thirst. Immediately the children of Israel come to mind. These individuals may know God but lack direction and community and their basic needs are not being met. God leads them to a city, and provides food and water for them.
The next group are prisoners in chains and darkness. This group also know God. The text says they have rebelled against His commands and plans. They have made choices that took them into labour and hardship. But again, when they cry out God responds, breaking their chains and bringing them into the light.
The next group may not know God initially. The passage describes them as fools (“A fool says in his heart, there is no God” Psalm 14:1) and they are suffering sickness due to their sin. They also refuse to eat. Yet eventually, they too cry out to God and He heals them and rescues them.
The fourth group are interesting. Their story is a bit longer and includes more description. This group are merchant sailors. You may think they’re well off, comfortable. And yet, the glory, the majesty and the dangerous power of the ocean—“the works of the Lord”—alerts them of their place in the universe and their need. They too cry out to God. And, you guessed it, He answers them. The story has strong links to the sailors in Jonah. Again, while they may not have known God (or needed God in the midst of their wealth), by the end of the section, they are proclaiming God to the assembly of the people. They use their influence to share their story about God’s rescue.
Maybe you can relate to one or more of the four stories. I know I can. There have been times in my life where I have felt lost and without answers and God has given me direction and sustenance. There have been times in my life when I’ve been comfortable and in control, and God has reminded me of His power and majesty and called me back into a right relationship with Him.
This chapter is worth meditating on. The final lines talk of God’s power to flip the status quo and bring change in situations that need changing.
No matter what we do, God can meet us where we are when we cry out to Him. And from that point, our lives will never be the same. So if you are redeemed, say so. Share your story so the world can know what God has done for you.
