Wandering into Wondering

Read Psalm 107:4-9

Looking at our text, first, the problem or predicament: we see a lost caravan, in an endless sea of sand, where tracks seem to disappear as soon as they are made. One who wanders here in a dry wasteland sees no end in sight. It can indeed be a picture of one who does not know God. He knows not which direction to go; it looks hopeless. The deepest needs of the soul are not met; the gnawing hunger and extreme thirst torment them throughout their journey. This condition and situation are what can cause one to call out in his distress to the Lord for help.

Secondly, we see a prayer or petition, the cry that went out is not mentioned, but it went to One, the only One, that is able to help them. And so, the request goes heavenward. It reminds me of the hymn that includes the words, "Prone to wander Lord I feel it, prone to leave the God I love." Psalm 34:15, "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry." Jesus says that, "we ought to pray at all times and not to lose heart." (Luke 18:1) The great J.C. Ryle, English bishop in the 1800's said, "Faith is to the soul what life is to the body. Prayer is to faith what breadth is to life. How can a man live and not breathe, is past my comprehension, and how a man can believe and not pray is past my comprehension too!"

Thirdly, we see a pardon or provision, the answer is immediate as well as complete. He led them. He is the guiding light. He is the true north; and He is the way, the truth, and the life. Psalm 33:18-19, "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness, To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine."

Lastly, the response is waited for by the Lord Himself, that thanks be given to Him, for His lovingkindness is everlasting. Psalm 66:20, "Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor His lovingkindness from me. "He always does for us what we cannot do for ourselves, always above and beyond what we can ask, think or even imagine. He is a God of abundance. His wonders toward us are like His thoughts toward us which outnumber the grains of sand on the seashore. Wonders are simply deeds that are done beyond the power of nature.

Satisfying the thirsty soul and satisfying the hungry soul with what is good is only what God can do. And Jesus guarantees it in John 6:35,"I am the bread of life, he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty." As you remember the Christmas song, "I wonder as I wander out under the sky, how Jesus my Savior did come for to die, for poor on'ry people like you and like I, I wonder as I wander out under the sky." He definitely can deliver us from days in the desert.

Elder Randy Slak

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