By LaKendra Hardware, interim campus pastor
Scripture: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (NRSV)
I once heard a parent say they always knew their child’s voice when he or she cried out in pain, distress or fear, and that it never failed to move them to act on their child’s behalf. I believe it is no different with our Father. When we call out to God, our Parent hears our cry no matter the situations or circumstances we find ourselves facing.
God’s wisdom, power and love for us is so deep and wide that it moves Him to act on behalf of humanity. This is the Good News.
The Psalmist gives us great direction for navigating chaos and uncertainty, advising us to cultivate a cry of praise, a remembrance of redemption and a song of hope. When we face situations of uncertainty or trouble, may we, like the Psalmist, be reminded to cry out to God and witness to others of the work God’s already done in our lives.
The beauty of this passage is that we are given hope that when we cry out, God hears and responds to us. The challenge of this passage is that it’s difficult to remember that in the midst of our chaos-like situations. The truth of this passage is that God does all of this simply because he loves us and cares about our lives.
Scripture: Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 (NRSV)
O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.
2Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, those he redeemed from trouble
3and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.
17Some were sick through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities endured affliction;
18they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death.
19Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress;
20he sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from destruction.
21Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind.
22And let them offer thanksgiving sacrifices, and tell of his deeds with songs of joy.