Let the Redeemed Reflect & Praise
How often do you reflect on your salvation by God? This psalm is a Thanksgiving psalm in which all believers are instructed to praise God His goodness and love.
The psalm begins with a call for believers to praise the Lord for his goodness and faithful love (1-3). Redemption here can speak of physical deliverance or deliverance from the penalty and domination of sin over their lives by God’s grace through faith in Christ.
First, the psalmist relegates The Wonderful Interventions of the Lord in the lives of His people (4-32). He delivered them from physical death in the wilderness by providing sustenance (4-9). He humbled His proud people by giving them over to bondage and then saved them when they repented 10-16). When they rebelled against their God, He afflicted them with weakness and sickness. When they cried out God delivered them by healing them (17-22). Those on the sea were in misery and great dread at the power of God shown in the storm. They humbled themselves and God rescued them and guided them safely to harbour (23-32). Repeatedly throughout this section the psalmist calls God’s people to give thanks to Him for His greatness and love (8,15,21,31)
The last section of the psalm speaks of The Wonderful Providence of the Lord in the lives of men (33-42). In judgment upon the wicked, God withdrawals His sustaining hand and the land withers (33-34). While at the same time He blesses the righteous and provides for them (35-38). God brings low the proud and exalts the humble (39-42).
The psalmist concludes this psalm with a call for the wise to consider the lovingkindness of the Lord in all aspects of their lives and give Him praise (43).