Crying Out to the God Who Hearsنموونە

Steadfast Love in Every Season

Psalm 107 celebrates God’s deliverance of His people. The psalmist recalls different situations of distress where God’s people cried out for help—and how the Lord responded with mercy. This psalm invites us to bring our own struggles to Him with the same confidence.

The wanderers (vv. 1-9)

In verses 1-9, we see those who were wanderers. Wanderers have no place to call home. They have to battle with feelings of insecurity and instability; feelings of not belonging, and even feelings of rejection. While we ourselves may not wander physically, we can sometimes relate to these feelings that come with the ache of not belonging or not fitting in. Psalm 107 reminds us that we can cry out to the LORD in such times. The LORD hears our prayers. He gives direction to the lost, strength to the weary, and a dwelling place for the restless soul.

The ones trapped in darkness, chains, and folly (vv. 10-22)

The second suffering we see in the psalm is that of those who suffered because of their rebellion against God’s word. As we saw in the first group, not all suffering is a result of our own sin. But sometimes our afflictions can be a direct consequence of our sin. Verse 12 says, ‘therefore He humbled their heart with trouble’. Sometimes our burdens arise from our own choices—we knew God’s way but went against it, and we end up having to bear guilt and shame.

In those moments, the enemy would have us wallow in condemnation. He would have us be too ashamed to return to the Lord. But we must reject that voice. The voice of God calls us to return to Him (v. 13-15) – run back to the same God that you rejected. Psalm 107 shows us that when God’s people cry out to Him, even in the aftermath of their rebellion, the Lord hears and redeems. For Christians, this confidence is even greater because of Christ’s death for our sins. The Cross of Christ was sufficient. Don’t punish yourself as though Jesus’ death was not enough. Run to Him, for in Him there is forgiveness and redemption. There is mercy for those who turn to Christ. He restores the repentant sinner.

The ones in the storm (vv. 23-32)

In these verses, we see those who were simply going about their business at sea when terrifying storms struck. Verse 27 says, “All their wisdom was swallowed up.” They had reached their wits’ end, overwhelmed and powerless. Many of us can relate to that sense of helplessness—even if not in literal storms. When their wisdom failed, they cried out to the Lord, and He stilled the storm. God hears us when we are overwhelmed and unable to see a way forward.

Throughout the psalm, the refrain of “the steadfast love of the Lord” is repeated. Take time to read the psalm slowly, allowing that refrain to sink deeply into your mind and heart. Its repetition is not accidental. It is a reminder that whatever situation we face, God’s love remains steadfast – that is, enduring and faithful.

The Hebrew word translated as “steadfast love” is חֶסֶד (ḥesed). It refers to God’s covenant love – His unbreakable commitment to His people. Unlike human love, which can waver, God’s covenant love is rooted in His character and His promises. As His covenant people, His treasured possession, we are invited to turn to Him in every circumstance. When we do, we will be met – not with rejection or indifference – but with His faithful love and mercy. His love meets us – whether we are in wandering, darkness, storms, or folly. He is faithful.