Then They Cried

Psalm 107 cont’d:

Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains,  because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

We mentioned a few days ago that many times we suffer from outside circumstances beyond our control, and we need a rescue.  However, there are other times that we suffer because of our own disobedience or foolishness, and we fall into bitter times. 

But wait – there is hope for both situations! God doesn’t just help and answer those who cry to him because of harm done TO them – he answers and helps those who are in harm’s way because of their OWN behavior!  

We hear of celebrities or athletes who end up in jail because of some “stupid” behavior and we often comment, “Well that’s what they get for being so bad…” 

But God doesn’t give us what we deserve – he offers mercy – his grace – undeserved and free.

There is no other name by which we can be saved but the name of Jesus, the one who came and rescued us out of our sin when we didn’t deserve it, he releases us from darkness even when we wandered into the darkness of our own free will, and he still delivers us from the pit of trouble into which we fall – for whatever reason.

That’s something to give thanks for today!