Thanksgiving presents a wonderful opportunity to pause, reflect, and remember. Not just to take stock of our blessings, but to look upward. To set our eyes above and gaze adoringly to the majesty of our God. May we take this time to remember the rescuer, the redeemer and the one who restores.
Psalm 107 is an incredible passage that is written for the redeemed. It is sung by those who have been rescued, and it is treasured by those who have experienced the steadfast love of the Lord.
The first lines by the Psalmist begin with a call to action:
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 107:1, ESV)
Thanksgiving begins with recognizing that God is good, and His love will not fail. His love is an everlasting love.
Then, we see the declaration for proclamation by those who are now free because of God’s deliverance:
“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.” (Psalm 107:2)
As the old hymn composed in 1869 says, “I love to tell the story, it did so much for me, and that is just the reason, I tell it now to thee.”
Thanksgiving is not just a day we gather to feast, but to give thanks because we have been rescued and redeemed. If God has indeed redeemed you, may we share this good news. Share with those around you. Speak to your own heart. Give Him the praise He is due for who He is, and what He has done.
In other words, tell the story.
A Reminder to Remember
There are four accounts of circumstances showcased in Psalm 107.
- Wandering in the desert
- Being held and sitting in chains
- Suffering because of sin
- Storms threatening to sink
What should we notice?
- Trouble was real and present
- The people cried to the LORD
- The Lord delivered
- They gave thanks
This is central in the entire Psalm:
“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.”
Charles Spurgeon said it this way, “Memory is the handmaid of faith.”
For us, this means the redeemed must remember.
This week, take time to remember God’s faithfulness. The times He provided security. When He welcomed you, the prodigal son, home after you wandered. The burdens He made light. The sins He redeemed you from. “Thanksgiving grows in the soil of remembrance.”
Deliverance Is Grace in Action
Psalm 107 shows who we are before deliverance:
- We are lost because of our sin and foolishness.
- Rebellion leads to the prisoner being bound.
- Sin leads to suffering.
- The Sailor cannot control the raging storm.
Yet God brings deliverance.
John MacArthur states that Scripture is consistent with tying salvation to who God is in His character, not in our performance or merit: “Grace flows out of the nature of God, not the worthiness of man.”
Thanksgiving will grow when we understand that we were not lucky to stumble into grace, but we were rescued with purpose.
Thanksgiving Is the Proper Response for the Redeemed
The Psalmist calls the redeemed to praise four times:
“Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man!” (vv 8, 15, 21, 31)
The repetition here shows us the pattern of a redeemed heart:
- Thanksgiving is a habit and ongoing
- Thanksgiving should be vocalized
- Thanksgiving is pointed and specific
- Thanksgiving finds its roots in God’s character
As you read this song, you will notice that the thanksgiving is not vague or random. Each thanks is given for specific times when God rescued.
Spurgeon says this so well: “The Lord’s redeemed must not be silent. Their gratitude ought to be as loud as their cries for help once were.”
Christ the Redeemer
Even before long before Christ, Psalm 107 points us to see Jesus.
- Jesus is the way for those who have wandered (John 14:6).
- Jesus is the one sets the prisoner and captive free (John 8:36).
- Jesus is the one who brings healing (Mark 2:17).
- Jesus controls and calms the storm by the word of His mouth (Mark 4:39).
John Bunyan is quoted this way: “My sins pursued me, but Christ outran them all.” This is what we see in Psalm 107. It is the story of every blood bought redeemed believer. This is what we are to tell and “say so,” and this is the good news that has saved us.
Closing Thoughts
Psalm 107 ends by showing us why giving thanks is important. “Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.” (v. 43)
Disciples are wise to:
- Remember God who delivered you
- Consider His steadfast love for you
- Proclaims His goodness to those around you
- Live a life that reflects being marked by mercy
Phil Ryken remarks on Psalm 107 by stating, “we are living testimonies of God’s unending covenant love.”
May this week be a blessed week of worship, fellowship and remembrance of God who is due our thanksgiving.