In Psalm 107, we find an invitation. 

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story- those he redeemed from the hand of the foe, those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

Psalm 107:2-3 (NIV)

This is an invitation to the redeemed of the Lord to tell their story. For us today, this means everyone who is a Christian and has been saved. Before the invitation in verses 2-3, the reader is encouraged to “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1 NIV). The exhortation in verse 1 can stand on its own. We thank the Lord because he is good, and his love endures forever. The invitation in verses 2-3 tells us we need to tell other people, who don’t know Christ, what we gave thanks to the Lord for. In other words, why we’re crazy about Jesus. 

There are four groups of people the Psalmist describes in Psalm 107 who have been redeemed by the Lord. I believe each of us falls into at least one of these four groups of people.

The first group is described as wandering in the desert wastelands looking for a home.

Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle.  

Psalm 107:4 (NIV)

I see these people as seekers of truth. People who are unsatisfied and are looking for answers. They are homeless. Perhaps they’ve dabbled in different religions, but nothing has struck them as authentic. 

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.

Psalm 107:10-11 (NIV)

This group consists of literal and metaphorical prisoners of sin.

Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.

Psalm 107:17 (NIV) 

I see this group as those who have been physically or mentally afflicted because of sin. While there’s overlap between the prisoners and this group, these people cry out to the Lord because of their afflictions. The differentiation is found in the next verse: “They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death” (Psalm 107:18 NIV).

Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters.

Psalm 107:23 (NIV)

While the next group targets merchants (traders), I see a metaphorical relationship between merchants who travel around, seeing the world and what it offers but don’t partake in any one thing and people we call sightseers. The primary difference between the first group (truth seekers) and this group (sightseers) is a lack of conviction. People who are “spiritual” with an “anything goes” attitude. They’re not looking for any one truth. We are given this intelligence about this group.

They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.

Psalm 107:24 (NIV)

In their travels, they’ve seen a lot of amazing things. However, what they saw of the Lord stood out to the point that when they were at their “wits’ end,” they sought him for help (Psalm 107:27 NIV). 

All of these groups have something in common. When they were in trouble, they cried out to the Lord, who saved them from their distress (Psalm 107:6,13,19,28). 

As I’ve said, I believe we all fell into at least one of these groups before we were saved (or if you’re not saved, you fall into one of these groups). Regardless of what group we fall into. That is, the group we belonged to before we were saved, we all have a testimony to tell about why we give thanks to the Lord.

Do you know God? God knows you, and he loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, and he wants you to know him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, freed from death, and live eternally with him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart and receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey. 

Advertisement