God and Goodness
Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Psalm 107:43
We often think that the difficulties we face in our modern life are new to us. But the psalmist in Psalm 107 dispels that notion by detailing four different kinds of troubles that, in general terms, are not unlike the trials we face today. And throughout this lengthy psalm his message is the same: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (verses 8, 15, 21, 31)
He describes four categories of trials that people go through: being lost in the wilderness (verses 4-9), being imprisoned (verses 10-16), being ill (verses 17-22), and being in a storm (verses 23-32). Whether literally or figuratively, we can all identify with those trials. But through all their trials, the wise will “understand the lovingkindness of the Lord” (verse 43)—“lovingkindness” in Hebrew is the idea of God’s faithful, or loyal, love. Throughout our trials, we can give thanks to God for His goodness and loyal love. The psalmist desires that His readers be those who “give thanks to the Lord” (verse 1). Let us be among those who respond with thanksgiving. The Lord’s goodness surrounds us at every moment.
R. W. Barbour
Turning Point Ministries
Whoever is wise will observe these things, and they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Psalm 107:43
We often think that the difficulties we face in our modern life are new to us. But the psalmist in Psalm 107 dispels that notion by detailing four different kinds of troubles that, in general terms, are not unlike the trials we face today. And throughout this lengthy psalm his message is the same: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (verses 8, 15, 21, 31)
He describes four categories of trials that people go through: being lost in the wilderness (verses 4-9), being imprisoned (verses 10-16), being ill (verses 17-22), and being in a storm (verses 23-32). Whether literally or figuratively, we can all identify with those trials. But through all their trials, the wise will “understand the lovingkindness of the Lord” (verse 43)—“lovingkindness” in Hebrew is the idea of God’s faithful, or loyal, love. Throughout our trials, we can give thanks to God for His goodness and loyal love. The psalmist desires that His readers be those who “give thanks to the Lord” (verse 1). Let us be among those who respond with thanksgiving. The Lord’s goodness surrounds us at every moment.
R. W. Barbour
Turning Point Ministries
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