Craig Thomas

We have noted on several occasions that the psalms are highly repetitive, however, it is always in a good and edifying way.  In Psalm 107 the writer repeats an important thought four times (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31):

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

That thought should resonate and be constantly repeated in every age!  Let’s examine why the psalmist repeats this thought four times in Psalm 107.

First, it is because the Lord is “good” and He has “redeemed” man “from the hand of the enemy” (vv. 1-2).  Despite our often self-inflicted spiritual wounds, the Lord still is willing to deliver us from our “distresses” (v. 6), lead us “by the right way” (v. 7), satisfy our “longing soul” (v. 9), and fill our soul “with goodness” (v. 9).

Second, the psalmist notes that we sit “in darkness” and the “shadow of death”; and we are in bondage to sin (v. 10).  Why?  Because of our own rebellion and our own hatred of God’s instruction! (v. 11)  Despite these self-inflicted wounds, the Lord remains willing to bring us “out of darkness and the shadow of death” and break sin’s “chains in pieces” (v. 14).  No wonder the psalmist once more cries out (v. 15):

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

Third, sin turns us into “fools” and we remain “fools” until we are willing to cry out to the Lord for “salvation” (vv. 17-19).  If we will abandon our foolishness and cry out to Him, He will send “His word” for our healing and deliverance (vv. 19-20).  Once again, the psalmist cries out (v. 21):

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

Fourth, the psalmist calls on men to remember the great power of the Lord (vv. 23-30).  This is something we must always contemplate!  The Lord spoke the material Universe and all that is in it into existence from nothing! (cf. Gen. 1 & 2; Jn. 1:1-3; Heb. 11:3)  Hence, there should be no doubt in our minds about His ability to help us (cf. Eph. 3:20).  If He can call an entire Universe into existence from nothing; surely He can help us with any of our problems!  So, once again, the psalmist cries out (v. 31):

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness,

And for His wonderful works to the children of men!”

Finally, the psalmist reminds us of God’s wonderful providential care.  It reminds me of Matthew 6:25-33 where Jesus reminds us that we have no need to worry over the basic material necessities of life.  God guarantees us the provision of these things without fail and He only asks two things in return.  First, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)  We must put Him first and foremost in our lives!  Second, Jesus tells us “do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things.  Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matt. 6:34)  We must take life one day at a time because that is how life comes.  One day at a time!  It is foolhardy to wring our hands over what tomorrow might bring.  We can only know one thing about tomorrow:  God will be there, and He will still care for us, and He will still provide for our physical and spiritual needs!

Lastly, the psalmist makes an important observation we should all seriously and thoughtfully ponder:

“Whoever is wise will observe these things,

And they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

The Lord stands ever willing and ever ready to heal us from our own self-inflicted spiritual diseases, distresses, and torments.  We are fools when we wallow in the mire of our own sin and refuse His tender care, promised redemption, and immeasurable peace of mind.

“ 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30)