Dear friends,
I am too often forgetful about what the LORD has done. There is a Christian song which was written by an American called Johnson Oatman (1856-1922) which includes these words: ‘count your blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done’. That is a reminder for me.
We are reminded in this psalm that even at this current challenging time as God’s people we are called to be a people who give thanks. The LORD reached out to save His people when they were lost, despairing, terminally sick with no hope, overwhelmed by storms.
Reading the whole psalm four situations of human extremity are described:
- lost travellers are given guidance and provision (verses 4-9)
- despairing prisoners are given freedom and light (verses 10-15)
- terminal sufferers are given healing and hope (verses 16-20)
- storm-tossed sailors are given peace and safety (verses 22-32)
The situations are all different, but God’s people can testify to being redeemed and rescued.
I wonder are we at this time, as perhaps never before, aware of our weakness and made to let go of all we have tended to rely on? As we look back and ahead, let us pray that we will be enabled to praise God with new insight as we grow to know Him better. “His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1), will that be our comfort? As an old hymn puts it ‘Through all the changing scenes of life, in trouble and in joy, the praises of my God shall still my heart and tongue employ’.
With my prayers for you and your families
John Cook, Vicar
Song based on Psalm 107
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