Psalms 107:16

“Wonderful Works to the Children of Men”

Psalms 107:16

In this psalm those who have been redeemed by the gracious interpositions of God are summoned to praise Him for a love which endures through all our rebuffs and backslidings. Note how this refrain breaks out in Psalms 107:8; Psalms 107:15; Psalms 107:21; Psalms 31:1. The psalmist passes before us a series of pictures, selected from the stories of human suffering which have been repeated in all ages of human history. Travelers who have lost their way, captives, sick men, storm-tossed sailors, are presented in as many panels or pictures. The psalmist says that, whatever our trouble, there is only one way out of it-to cry to God. This is never in vain. There is always the saving help of His right hand; and there is always, therefore, the obligation of praise.

The first scene is of a caravan in the desert, with depleted water-skins, emptied stores, and exhausted strength. How many have lost their way in life and are in this plight! These details are true not only physically, but spiritually. The second scene is of a prison-house, and the suggestion is that, in all our lives, there are imprisoning circumstances and limitations which compel us to call for help from Him who said, “He hath sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives.”