“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble
and gathered in from the lands,
from the east and from the west,
from the north and from the south.
Some wandered in desert wastes,
finding no way to a city to dwell in;
hungry and thirsty,
their soul fainted within them.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
and he delivered them from their distress.
He led them by a straight way
till they reached a city to dwell in.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he satisfies the longing soul,
and the hungry soul he fills with good things…
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death,
and burst their bonds apart.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
For he shatters the doors of bronze
and cuts in two the bars of iron…
He sent out his word and healed them,
and delivered them from their destruction.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving,
and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!..
He made the storm be still,
and the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad that the waters were quiet,
and he brought them to their desired haven.
Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,
for his wondrous works to the children of man!
Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,
and praise him in the assembly of the elders.” Psalm 107:1-9,14-16,20-22,29-32
The redeemed of the Lord have much to say. Redeemed from trouble, from hunger and thirst and a fainting soul, from prison and affliction and the darkness of death, from foolishness in sin and the tangle of its consequences, from storms uncontrollable and the loud baffle of trouble, from wasted efforts and droughts of inspiration and hope… their hearts are full. The redeemed have been delivered, satisfied with good things, lifted from distress, released from bondage, and brought out into broad places. Their bonds have been broken, truth has set them free. They have been healed, calmed, watered, fed.
The redeemed of the Lord have much to say because the Lord has done much for them. His intentional and steadfast affection abounds, His innumerable deeds multiply by grace and power. Enumerating His works and considering His love and goodness causes thanksgiving to bubble over in loud praise.
So as His redeemed, how steeped am I in His benevolence to me? How well-versed am I in His plans and promises fulfilled through scripture, His protection and provision for His own then and now? When I speak, whether directly about Him, or any variety of topics, how does my redemption infuse my perspective, insights, and responses? Do my word choices, and messages formed, convey delight and joy in Him, gratitude for His mercies, hope from and for His deliverances? In what ways might meditation on His generous redemption change what I say, and how?
Lord, make me wise to attend to all You have done and do. You are worthy of praise, and as Your redeemed, may I continually say so to Your glory. (Psalm 107:43)
As the rain and snow 