Desperation (Part 1 of 4) – Psalm 107:4–9
What do you do when lost in the woods?
Many articles have been written describing the desperation of being lost in the woods. One interesting fact is that people tend to wander in circles, and they can’t find the way out. There are many miseries connected with being lost: no shelter at night, no food or water, and insects, to name a few.
The Israelites experienced something like this. “They wandered in the wilderness . . . they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty . . . .” (vv. 4, 5). They became so desperate that “Their soul fainted in them” (v. 5). They lost all hope.
When lost in the woods, it is normal to cry out for help as loud as possible, even if there is not any evidence that anyone can hear your call. The Israelites, “cried unto the LORD in their trouble” (v. 6). God was there. He heard them, “and he delivered them out of their distresses. And he led them forth by the right way” (vv. 6, 7). What a relief it must have been to know that God was leading them!
How would you respond if you were lost in the woods and someone found you and led you to safety? Would you be grateful? Would you express you gratefulness to them and to others also?
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness” (vv. 8, 9).