[:en]”Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing Love and His wonderful deeds for me” was repeated 4 times (vs. 8, 15, 21, 31)
Who are to give thanks?
- Travelers – They were hungry and thristy wandering in the desert. When they criued out to the Lord in their trouble, He delivered them from their distress and lead them a a straight way to settle in the city (vs. 4-7)
- Prisoners – Because they rebelled against God, they were suffering in iron chains and subjected to bitter labor. But the Lord saved them from their distress and broke away their chains (vs. 10-14)
- Sufferers – They suffered aflliction because of their rebellious ways and iniquities. They could not eat and was near death. When they cried to the Lord in their troubles, He healed and rescued them from the grave. (vs. 16-20)
- Sailors – They went out on the sea or ships and encountered high waves and storm. When they were at their wit’s end, they cried out to the Lord and the Lord stilled the storm and calm the sea. He guided them to their desired destiny. (vs. 23-31)
- Farmers – Because of their wickedness, God turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground and fruitful land into a slat waste. Then they cried out to the Lord, He brought forth pools of water to flowing springs. He blessed them with bountiful harvest and increased their herds. (vs. 33-38)
- Needy – they were lifted out of their affliction and their families increased lik flocks. (vs. 41-42)_
“Be wise to consider the great love of the Lord” (v. 43)
Reflection:
- We are all travelers in this world. In our journey, we encounter problems, trials, hardships. But we can tell Him all our afflictions. He is going to deliver us from our distress.
- We are all prisoners of sin. We disobey God’s word and follow our own way. God sent His Son to rescue us from the bondage of sin. We are being redeemed through the precious blood of Christ.
- Suffering is a sure thing in this world. We suffer physically and emotionally. When we are sick, we lose our appetitie and our strength is weakened. We need medicine to heal our physical diseases. Our Lord Jesus Christ is a physicaian who can diagnose our spiritual condition. The Word of God is the medicine for our souls. If we are wiling to reach out by faith and admit our needs, then Jesus can heal us and restore our spiritual health.
- This world is full of uncertainties. Calamities such as earthquake, storms, hurricane , flood my strike us anytime. But we need not be afraid because our Lord is an awesome God. He is in control of everything. He will protect us if we entrust ourselves to Him.
- It is God who give us rain and sunshine for the plants to grow. It is God who gives oxygen for the living animals to live. We must remember all His blessings and give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds. Let us think of His great love for us and give thanks to Him.
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