BIBLE W2 D3 Giving Thanks After the Exile (Psalm 107:1-22)

Psalm 107 is a psalm of thanksgiving that gives thanks to God for his care over all the people of Judah during their 40 year exile to Babylon. It gives testimony to how different people responded to the exile and how God's presence and help affected each of them.

In case you don't remember, the exile to Babylon was a traumatic event in the history of the Jewish people. After the Exodus, they fought hard to establish their nation and all felt that God looked favorably on them. After a period of political peace and independence, Judah was taken by King Nebuchadnezzar, and when it fell, many people were carted off to Babylon. The loss of so many people destroyed the remaining society and those left behind had a hard life as well.

Read more of the psalm (beyond verse 22). As you can imagine, different people react differently to trauma. Some wandered in the wasteland, others sat in darkness, still others became foolish, and some went to sea. Yet God was with them in these trying times wherever they were.

God is with us during our trying times as well. One reason to study and meditate on God's word when times are good (during the bright and sunny days of our lives) is so that we have God's word as a resource when times are not so good (during the rainy days of our lives). I know this because I have had many periods of rain in my life. Some are mere showers... others are howling storms. When you're in the midst of the rain (especially an extended rainy season), sometimes it's hard to think about or remember the sun or focus on God's love and support. That's why its so important for us to reach out to others during their stormy times of trouble.

When the rain in our lives stops for a while and the skies clear, it's then easier refocus on God and give thanks to Him - like the writers of this psalm.