When They Cried unto the Lord
A Sermon on Psalm 107
Key verse:
“Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” — Psalm 107:6
Psalm 107 is a wonderful testimony to the goodness, mercy and delivering power of God. It describes different people facing different troubles, but each story contains the same glorious truth: when they cried unto the Lord, He heard them and delivered them.
The psalm begins:
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 107:1
God deserves our thanksgiving—not only because of what He gives us, but because of who He is. He is good, faithful and merciful. Our circumstances may change, but the character of God never changes.
1. God guides those who are lost
The first group wandered in the wilderness. They were hungry, thirsty and unable to find a city where they could live. They had no direction and no strength remaining.
“Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.” — Psalm 107:6
God led them by the right way and brought them to a place of safety.
Many people today are spiritually lost. They search for satisfaction in money, possessions, pleasure and human approval, but their souls remain empty. Jesus is the only One who can satisfy the deepest hunger of the human heart.
“For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” — Psalm 107:9
If you feel lost, cry unto the Lord. He knows where you are, and He knows the right way to lead you.
2. God frees those who are bound
The second group sat in darkness and in the shadow of death. They were prisoners in chains because they had rebelled against the Word of God.
Their trouble brought them low, and nobody else could help them. But when they cried unto the Lord, He brought them out of darkness and broke their chains.
“For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.” — Psalm 107:16
Sin places people in bondage. Fear, bitterness, addiction, guilt and unforgiveness can also become heavy chains. But no chain is too strong for the Lord.
Jesus came to set the captives free. What human power cannot break, the power of God can destroy. When Christ sets a person free, that person is free indeed.
3. God restores those who have acted foolishly
The third group suffered because of their own sinful choices. Their foolishness had brought them close to death.
Sometimes our difficulties are caused by the actions of others. At other times, we must honestly admit that our own choices have caused our suffering.
Nevertheless, God is merciful. When these people cried unto Him, He did not abandon them.
“He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” — Psalm 107:20
God’s Word brings truth, healing and restoration. The Lord does not excuse sin, but He forgives those who sincerely repent and turn to Him.
Your failures do not have to be the final chapter of your life. God can forgive your past, restore your soul and give you a new beginning.
4. God calms those caught in storms
The fourth group were sailors on the sea. A terrible storm arose, and the waves lifted their ship towards the heavens before plunging it into the depths. Their courage disappeared, and all their wisdom failed them.
“Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.” — Psalm 107:28
The Lord calmed the storm and guided them safely to their destination.
This reminds us of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples were terrified, but Jesus spoke to the wind and the waves, and there was a great calm.
We all experience storms—bereavement, illness, family difficulties, financial hardship and uncertainty about the future. Sometimes God calms the storm around us, and sometimes He calms the fear within us. Either way, He remains Lord over the storm.
The waves may be beyond our control, but they are never beyond His authority.
5. God can reverse our circumstances
Psalm 107 tells us that God can turn rivers into wilderness, but He can also turn a dry wilderness into pools of water. He brings down the proud and lifts up the needy.
Nothing is impossible for God. He can bring hope out of despair, fruitfulness out of barrenness and victory out of defeat.
We should never judge the end of our story by the difficulty of our present circumstances. God can change everything according to His purpose.
6. Those whom God has redeemed should speak
Psalm 107 says:
“Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” — Psalm 107:2
If God has saved you, tell someone. If He has answered your prayer, give Him the glory. If He has carried you through a storm, let your testimony encourage another struggling person.
Our testimony is not about how strong we are; it is about how faithful God has been.
Four times, the psalm gives this call:
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!”
We often cry loudly during our trouble but become quiet after our deliverance. We must remember to praise the One who rescued us.
Conclusion
Psalm 107 speaks about lost travellers, chained prisoners, suffering sinners and frightened sailors. Their circumstances were different, but their answer was the same: they cried unto the Lord.
Perhaps today you feel lost, bound, broken or overwhelmed by a storm. Do not give up. Cry unto the Lord. He still hears prayer, breaks chains, heals wounded souls, guides the lost and calms troubled hearts.
Above all, God has provided our greatest deliverance through Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Christ offers forgiveness, freedom and eternal life to everyone who repents and believes.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good, and His mercy endureth for ever.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your goodness and everlasting mercy. When we are lost, guide us. When we are bound, set us free. When we have sinned, forgive and restore us. When storms surround us, speak peace to our hearts. Help us to cry unto You in our trouble and to praise You when deliverance comes. Thank You most of all for salvation through Jesus Christ. In His precious name, Amen.
GOD IS A GOOD GOD
GOD KNOWS, GOD LOVES, GOD CARES
Written for Georges Web Ministries.com
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18th August 2016