Give thanks to the LORD for [H]e is good; [H]is love endures forever. Psalm 107: 1, NIV
Dear God, with renewed strength and faith in Your leading, we come to You, asking, that as we enter the study of Your Word, Your Holy Spirit will guide us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
Today we will continue with our study, on the goodness of the Lord, and His steadfast love.
Verses 21-30, NRSV: “Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty waters; they saw the deeds of the LORD, [H]is wondrous works in the deep. For [H]e commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven, they went down to the depths; their courage melted away in their calamity; they reeled and staggered like drunkards, and were at their wits’ end. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and [H]e brought them out from their distress; [H]e made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad because they had quiet, and [H]e brought them to their desired haven.”
I am sure that the sailors who were on the ship with run-away Jonah could identify with this feeling. The disciples on the ship in the midst of the storm, would also understand the fearful feeling of staring at a watery grave. Both groups of men could also bear testimony of how the LORD delivered them when they cried unto Him out of their distress.
There are many of us who have been on the “stormy seas” of life. We have heard the thunders of distress rumbling all about us. We have felt the winds of fearfulness lashing against our faces; and we have had the wall of the storm fall on our dreams and crush them. We too, have cried to the Lord; and praise God, our cry has not fallen on deaf ears! In every situation, He has been there for us, and have come to our rescue. The method of rescue has not always been what we would have chosen for ourselves; but it has always been what was best for us!
And it is all because “His steadfast love endures forever!”
And what else can we say? In His goodness, “He turns rivers into a desert,” and “a parched land into springs of water.” The hungry are allowed to live there, and “by [H]is blessing they multiply greatly…[H]e raises up the needy out of distress, and makes their families like flocks. The upright see it and are glad; and all wickedness stops its mouth.” Our God is a God of justice and righteousness. He is also the God of the seemingly impossible. What is impossible for us, is God’s opportunity to manifest His omnipotence, and never-failing love. When wickedness lifts its ugly head against us, and all seems lost; it is then that God will rise up and defend us, and shut the mouth of all wickedness!
And it is all because “His steadfast love endures forever!”
Thank You God, for Your never-ending love!