January 24th
THE PSALMS
“LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress.
Theme: Jehovah saves out of distress.
Background: The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. Notice the repetitive pattern:
i) predicament; ii) petition iii) pardon; iv) praise. Does your situation match any of these following four descriptions?
107:10 “Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons” An isolated prisoner (10-16). Are you locked in a cycle of sin and guilt; wanting to hide away? New resolves or positive thinking will not free you from captivity to sins misery, but “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36)
A reeling mariner (23-32). Are you tossed all ways by life’s storms; constantly anxious? The Lord brings calm as he enters your storm-tossed boat (John 6:20-21).
THE PSALMS
Psalm 106-107
Psalm 10
Psalm 10
“LORD, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he rescued them from their distress.
Psalm 107:6, New Living Translation
Theme: Jehovah saves out of distress.
Background: The journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. Notice the repetitive pattern:
i) predicament; ii) petition iii) pardon; iv) praise. Does your situation match any of these following four descriptions?
107:4 “Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in.”
A lost traveller (4-9). Are you going in circles? A feeling of lostness leading to despair? Have you discovered that Jesus is the way, the bread, the water, and the true rest in your personal life? (John 4:14; 6:35; 14:6)107:10 “Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons” An isolated prisoner (10-16). Are you locked in a cycle of sin and guilt; wanting to hide away? New resolves or positive thinking will not free you from captivity to sins misery, but “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:31-36)
107:17 “Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction”
A terminally ill patient (17-22). A lifetime of sin and addictions can bring someone to the brink of death; some even consider the oblivion of suicide. These issues need be fully talked over but ultimately God “sends his word” about Christ to rescue us eternally.107:23 “Some went down to the sea in ships, doing
business on the great waters”A reeling mariner (23-32). Are you tossed all ways by life’s storms; constantly anxious? The Lord brings calm as he enters your storm-tossed boat (John 6:20-21).
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Don’t bear trouble, use it; turn it into testimony.
Don’t bear trouble, use it; turn it into testimony.