Today’s Bible reading is Psalm 107.
Psalm 107 describes four kinds of strugglers.
Some are wandering in the wasteland (107:4-5). Their souls are fainting within them. They don’t know where they are, how they got here, or where they’re headed. Spiritually, they are starving to death.
Some are sitting in darkness (107:10-12). They have “spurned the counsel of the Most High” and “rebelled against the words of God.” They knew better, but they did it anyway. To this point, they may have successfully kept up appearances. But now, they find themselves deep in a cave, far from the light, sitting “in the shadow of death.”
Some are fools (107:17-18). They don’t look like wanderers; they come off as confident. They aren’t hiding in a cave; they are loud, proud, arrogant, and boastful. From all outward appearances, they are living the good life. And yet, something is missing. When they lie in bed at night, left with their own thoughts, they know it. No amount of money, power, or pleasure can fill the God-sized hole in their restless hearts. They are caught in the backwash of their “sinful ways,” suffering affliction “because of their iniquities.”
Some are storm-tossed (107:23-27). Life has beaten and battered them to the point that they’re not sure which way is up anymore. They ask “Why?” and haven’t found the answer. They are fighting what seems to be a losing battle against bitterness. Their courage is melting away. They are “at their wits’ end.”
And yet, all four strugglers are united by a common bond in Psalm 107.
Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress. (107:6, 13, 19, 28)
The wanderers? He leads them by a straight way till they reach a city to dwell in (107:7). Those sitting in darkness? He brings them out and bursts their bonds apart (107:14). The fools? He sends out his word and heals them, delivering them from their destruction (107:20). The storm-tossed? He stills the storm, hushes the waves, and brings them to their desired haven (107:29-30).
Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man! (107:8, 15, 21, 31)
Our God satisfies the longing soul. He shatters the shackles of sin. He heals. Our God saves.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so. (107:1-2)