-August 19, 2023-
Good morning, happy Saturday,
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distresses” (Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28).
“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and His wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31)!
Did you ever wonder why there are so many things repeated in the Bible? Thinkers and story tellers have effectively used repetition from ancient times. Still today teachers, speakers, and writers employ this technique. Jesus Christ was the ultimate story teller, preacher, and teacher and He effectively used it to the benefit of his listeners and to the glory of God.
In the Scriptures, when God says something once it is important, and when He repeats it multiple times it is very important. He wants us know it, understand it, remember it, and to apply it to our lives. We have all heard the expression, “It is worth repeating,” or “It bears repeating.”
In Psalm 107, the unknown psalmist repeats two verses in describing Israel’s history that apply very well to our lives: prayer in times of trouble and God’s deliverances from our distresses; and thanksgiving for His answers and wonderful works to us. These two things will occur as long as we live in earth. Today we will consider the former and tomorrow the latter.
Calling on the Lord in times of trouble – We all go through times of trouble. The first thing we usually do is try to fix things ourselves, solve the problems, deal with the issues. Instead, we should pray first and save ourselves from so much pain and agony. The psalmist says, “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses.” We will always have troubles, but God will always deliver us out of them.
This was especially true in book of Judges. There was a constant pattern: sin, servitude, supplication, and salvation. God dealt with His people in love, truth, mercy, grace, and forgiveness. He continues to work in our lives.
God delivers us out of our distresses – So often He delivers us out of them by taking us through them. He is with us in our troubles and He is glorified. He wins the victory; He answers the request; He solves the problem. He was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace; He was with the Israelites at the Red Sea; He was with David through every battle; Jesus was the disciples when the storm arose on the Sea of Galilee. He slept peacefully, then they woke Him up. He calmed the sea and they arrived at their destination.
Psalm 50:15 is an excellent memory verse, “Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify Me.” We should remember the many times that the Lord has delivered us and know with confidence, faith, and hope that He will deliver us. He can handle anything and everything. He is in control.
May the Lord remind us to pray, put everything in His strong hands, and trust Him to deliver us out of all our troubles. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.
The throne of grace is never closed, and His heart is always open to those in need,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 