God has especially promised to be with us in old age. “Hearken unto me … which are carried from the womb: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you” (Isa. 46:3-4). Psalm 107 might be written with old people in mind! The theme of this psalm is the goodness of God. The psalm begins with a command, “O give thanks unto the LORD”; a declaration, “for he is good”; and a reason for the command and declaration, “for his mercy endureth for ever.”
There are four stanzas to the psalm. Each stanza will mention a place of distress, a cry in that distress, and an answer to the distress.
A. Distress in the Desert ~ The first place of distress is the desert. In the wilderness, the people “found no city to dwell in” (v.4). In this place, they were hungry and thirsty, and their soul fainted in them (v.5). The cry in the desert is for a habitation (vv.6-7). The answer to the distress of the desert was redemption. Each stanza closes with the plea, “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (v.8).
B. Distress in the Dungeon ~ The second picture of distress is the dungeon. The place of the dungeon is depicted with dissatisfaction, hunger, darkness, death, and bonds (vv.9-10). In the dungeon, the cry is a cry for help (v.12). The answer to the distress of the dungeon is restoration. The stanza closes with the same chorus (v.15).
C. Distress In the Face of Death ~ The third, place of distress is the face of death. The face of death is indicated by the psalmists words, “the gates of death” (v.18). The cry in the face of death is a cry for healing (vv.19-20). The answer to the cry is relief. Once again, the stanza closes with the chorus, but this time the psalmist adds a verse to the chorus. He reminds his readers that men ought to make sacrifice with thanksgiving and rejoicing. It is a great reminder for older folks to praise God no matter what the stress.
D. Distress In the Deep ~ The fourth place of distress is the deep. The deep is expressed with the language of the sea and the great waters. It is called the deep in v. 24. On the sea there are storms, waves, and depths (v. 25). The cry from the deep is a cry for a haven (vv.28-30). The mariner in the midst of a storm is looking for a safe haven. The answer to this distress is rest. Once more, the psalmist closes his stanza with the chorus, pleading men to praise God for His goodness. There is an expansion of this plea in v. 32 to exalt the Lord. When we praise God for his goodness, we exalt him among the people. (LEH)
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