Untitled Sermon (27)

Psalms II: Chapters 42–106 (King James Version) (Psalm 105: When You Are Struggling and Need God’s Encouragement, 105:1–45)

The Eternal Faithfulness of the Lord

105 Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; Talk of all His wondrous works! 3 Glory in His holy name; Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the Lord! 4 Seek the Lord and His strength; Seek His face evermore! 5 Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth, 6 O seed of Abraham His servant, You children of Jacob, His chosen ones!

7 He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. 8 He remembers His covenant forever, The word which He commanded, for a thousand generations, 9 The covenant which He made with Abraham, And His oath to Isaac, 10 And confirmed it to Jacob for a statute, To Israel as an everlasting covenant, 11 Saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan As the allotment of your inheritance,” 12 When they were few in number, Indeed very few, and strangers in it.

13 When they went from one nation to another, From one kingdom to another people, 14 He permitted no one to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, 15 Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

16 Moreover He called for a famine in the land; He destroyed all the provision of bread. 17 He sent a man before them— Joseph—who was sold as a slave. 18 They hurt his feet with fetters, [a]He was laid in irons. 19 Until the time that his word came to pass, The word of the Lord tested him. 20 The king sent and released him, The ruler of the people let him go free. 21 He made him lord of his house, And ruler of all his possessions, 22 To [b]bind his princes at his pleasure, And teach his elders wisdom.

23 Israel also came into Egypt, And Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. 24 He increased His people greatly, And made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He turned their heart to hate His people, To deal craftily with His servants.

26 He sent Moses His servant, And Aaron whom He had chosen. 27 They performed His signs among them, And wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness, and made it dark; And they did not rebel against His word. 29 He turned their waters into blood, And killed their fish. 30 Their land abounded with frogs, Even in the chambers of their kings. 31 He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, And lice in all their territory. 32 He gave them hail for rain, And flaming fire in their land. 33 He struck their vines also, and their fig trees, And splintered the trees of their territory. 34 He spoke, and locusts came, Young locusts without number, 35 And ate up all the vegetation in their land, And devoured the fruit of their ground. 36 He also [c]destroyed all the firstborn in their land, The first of all their strength.

37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was none feeble among His tribes. 38 Egypt was glad when they departed, For the fear of them had fallen upon them. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering, And fire to give light in the night. 40 The people asked, and He brought quail, And satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and water gushed out; It ran in the dry places like a river.

42 For He remembered His holy promise, And Abraham His servant. 43 He brought out His people with joy, His chosen ones with [d]gladness. 44 He gave them the lands of the [e]Gentiles, And they inherited the labor of the nations, 45 That they might observe His statutes And keep His laws.

[f]Praise the Lord!

(105:1–45) Introduction: Psalm 105 was written to a group of people living in extremely challenging times. Just who was this group? It was the remnant who returned to Jerusalem after the 70-year Babylonian captivity. They came home to a heart-sickening mess, facing the overwhelming task of rebuilding the city and society God had judged. As they struggled and desperately needed encouragement, an unnamed psalmist was moved by God’s Spirit to write a song reminding them of God’s faithfulness. In it, he covers the highlights of Israel’s history from Abraham to Canaan, emphasizing God’s demonstration of His unfailing love to the people of His covenant.

Psalm 105 speaks to a broad range of people, but it is especially helpful to those living in difficult times. It is for those overwhelmed and exhausted from building and battling for God’s kingdom. It is for those who fight for the souls of their loved ones to no avail. It is for the weary and discouraged laborers in the Lord’s vineyard who see little fruit for their tireless efforts. It is for those who feel they can go on no longer. It is for those who have been beaten up by the world. It is for those who cannot find the strength to face another day. It is for the persecuted. It is for those who are left to pick up the pieces of their unfaithful nation once God has passed judgment on their beloved land. It is for those who question whether God has forsaken them. It is for those who are ready to quit.

God’s people have always faced challenging times, and believers living today are no different. Those living in the time just before Christ’s return will face unparalleled challenges and persecution. As the spiritual descendants of Abraham, we can claim this psalm personally, making its themes our very own. This is, When You Are Struggling and Need God’s Encouragement, 105:1–45.

1. Remember God’s marvelous works and faithfully praise Him (vv. 1–7).

2. Remembers God’s great promise (covenant)—the promise He gave to a thousand generations (vv. 8–11).

3. Remember God’s strong protection (vv. 12–15).

4. Remember God’s wonderful care for His people (vv. 16–25).

5. Remember God’s judgments (vv. 26–36).

6. Remember God’s redemption (vv. 37–41).

7. Remember God’s faithfulness in keeping His sacred promise (vv. 42–45).

1 (105:1–7) Remember God’s marvelous works and faithfully praise Him.

The history of Israel is nothing short of miraculous. It is the story of God’s amazing works in behalf of a people He chose to be His own. The psalmist called on these people to give thanks to the LORD and to faithfully praise Him for all He had done for their nation. Notice the emphasis of this passage on God’s …

• deeds (v. 1)

• wondrous works (v. 2)

• marvelous works (v. 3)

a. Call on His name and tell others what He has done (vv. 1–3).

The centuries-long record of faithfulness that God had with Israel was an encouragement for His people to call on Him for whatever they needed. Because of the LORD’s faithfulness, the people were to proclaim what He had done for them to the other people or nations of the world (v. 1). The psalmist instructed them to bear witness about the LORD through songs of praise and testimony that told of His wonderful deeds (v. 2). Through their rejoicing in the LORD, those who did not know Him would learn of His faithful love (v. 3).

b. Look to the LORD for strength and seek His presence (face) always (v. 4).

The remnant that returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity must have battled constant discouragement. The city was little more than a pile of rubble, having been abandoned and neglected for seventy years after its total destruction by Babylon. The elderly who had been dragged from Jerusalem seven decades earlier would surely have been brokenhearted if they had lived to see the shambles of the place where God had once dwelled with them. The young people who were taken as well as those who had been born in Babylon were no doubt overwhelmed by the work that lay ahead.

Keeping all these factors in mind, the psalmist exhorted the people to seek the LORD and His strength. Time and again, He had proven Himself strong in His people’s behalf. When those charged with rebuilding Jerusalem grew weary in the work, the face or presence of the LORD would renew their tired spirits to labor on.

c. Call to mind His former miracles and the judgments He pronounced on the disobedient (vv. 5–7).

The psalmist further counseled the disheartened people to recall the miracles God had performed for Israel as well as the judgments He had pronounced on the disobedient (v. 5). Their faithless ancestors had perished in the wilderness without ever seeing the promised land. Those wasted years were filled with incidents where God judged the rebellious in their midst. Even in their own lifetime, they had endured God’s judgment—the Babylonian invasion and captivity—because of a prevailing spirit of unfaithfulness to God in their nation.

The psalmist reminded the remnant of three reassuring truths. First, they were the seed of Abraham—people of the covenant and heirs to exciting, exclusive promises (v. 6). They were God’s chosen ones, specially favored by Him for a glorious purpose: to bless all the earth by bringing the Messiah into the world (Ge. 22:18).

Second, he reminded them that the LORD (Yahweh, Jehovah) was their God (v. 7a). He had made His covenant with them and repeatedly proven Himself faithful to His Word. Their God was the LORD, the One who worked miracles to keep His covenant with His people.

Third, he reminded them that the LORD executes judgment or justice throughout the earth (v. 7b). “These judgments are the decisive, dynamic deeds of God, saving His people and destroying His enemies.”1

This returning remnant could not lose sight of these glorious truths. And they could not forget their history, both good and bad. God had brought them back to the land and longed to do great and mighty things for them again. How tragic it would be if, like so many of their ancestors, they too failed in their faith.

Thought 1. Without exception, each of us will battle discouragement in our walk with the LORD at some point. Trouble and trials are an inevitable part of life. In addition to the natural consequences of living in a sin-cursed world, genuine believers also face Satan’s fierce opposition. Yet Scripture encourages us not to become weary in serving the Lord. To accomplish this, we need to constantly be on guard and renew our spirits (Ga. 6:9; 2 Co. 4:16).

Several scholars point out that there are ten commandments in this passage (vv. 1–7). We might accurately title them “The Ten Commandments for Fighting Discouragement:”

(1) Give thanks to God (v. 1a).

(2) Call on God’s name for everything you need (v. 1b).

(3) Make God’s great works known to the lost (v. 1c).

(4) Sing praises to God at all times (v. 2a).

(5) Testify of the wonderful things God has done for you (v. 2b).

(6) Glory in God’s holy name (v. 3a).

(7) Rejoice in the LORD always (v. 3b).

(8) Look to the LORD for strength (v. 4a).

(9) Seek and enter the LORD’s presence through prayer and worship (v. 4b).

(10) Remember the LORD’s miracles and judgments in His people’s behalf throughout history (v. 5).

We must not allow Satan to defeat us through discouragement. When we follow these commandments faithfully—even when we do not feel like it—God will lift us up, restore our joy, and strengthen us to labor on for Him. Remembering God’s marvelous works and faithfully praising Him will lead us to victory.

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them” (Ac. 16:25).

“Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ep. 5:19–20).

“I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings” (Ps. 77:11–12).

2 (105:8–11) Remember God’s great promise (covenant)—the promise He gave to a thousand generations.

The psalmist again encouraged the remnant by reminding them of the LORD’s covenant with Israel. The word which He commanded “puts the stress on God’s initiative and authority in the [making of the covenant], which means that this bond with men is by grace.”2 He further assured them that God would remember or be faithful to His great promise to His people, even for a thousand generations, that is to say, forever and ever.

a. The promise was given to Abraham and his descendants, the descendants of faith, Ge. 12:1–4; Ro. 4:9–25 (vv. 9–10).

The LORD originally gave His covenant to Abraham, the great man of faith who left his homeland to follow God wherever He led (v. 9a; Ge. 12:1–4). God confirmed the covenant with Abraham’s miraculously-conceived son, Isaac, and then with Isaac’s son, Jacob (vv. 9b–10a; Ge. 26:1–5; 28:13–15).

God’s promise is an everlasting covenant, given to Abraham’s descendants, the nation of Israel (v. 10b). But the New Testament reveals that all those whose faith is in the LORD are descendants of Abraham, regardless of race or nationality. Abraham has a physical seed—the Jews—but he also has a spiritual seed—all who trust the Lord for righteousness (Ro. 4:9–25; Ga. 3:6–9, 29).

b. The promise, which was eternal, was the inheritance of Canaan, the promised land of God (a picture of heaven) (v. 11).

To Abraham’s physical seed, God’s eternal promise was the inheritance of Canaan, the promised land of God. Or put another way, Canaan was the land God promised to His people. Canaan is also a picture of heaven, the eternal inheritance of Abraham’s spiritual seed (He. 9:15; 1 Pe. 1:4).

Thought 1. When we are struggling or discouraged, we need to remember God’s precious promises to us (2 Pe. 1:4). True believers are promised an inheritance like no other—eternal life and an eternal reward in heaven with the Lord. If we have genuinely repented of our sin and trusted Christ as Savior, we can trust God to keep His promise to us. Lest we doubt God’s Word, He has guaranteed this promise with His Holy Spirit who dwells within us as down payment on our inheritance (Ep. 1:11–14).

Remembering God’s great promise, gives us hope. Like a firm anchor, it will hold us steady in the storms of life (He. 6:11–20). When we are discouraged and feel we can go on no longer, we need to keep our eyes fixed on heaven and the joy that awaits us there. This is what Abraham, our spiritual father, did, and it helped keep his faith strong when he was severely tested (He. 11:14–19). Likewise, this is what our Savior did: He endured the cross by focusing on the joy that He would later know in heaven (He. 12:1–3).

“And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform” (Ro. 4:21).

3 (105:12–15) Remember God’s strong protection.

Abraham and his family faced many potential dangers as they journeyed in search of the promised land. All the while, though, God protected them, keeping the people of other nations from doing them harm. Similarly, the remnant that returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity feared enemy attack. The psalmist encouraged them by reminding them of God’s strong protection of their ancestors.

a. He protected Abraham and his followers as they began to seek the promised land (vv. 12b–13).

Abraham and his followers were also few in number, but God protected them as they began to seek the promised land (v. 12). Keep in mind that neither Abraham nor his followers knew their destination, but they believed and trusted the LORD. So, as they followed God’s leading, they journeyed from nation to nation (v. 13). Being strangers or foreigners and few in number as well, they were extremely vulnerable.

b. He protected them from all oppressors and even kings: Because they were His chosen people and His prophets (messengers) (vv. 14–15).

God protected Abraham’s group from all who would oppress them and do them wrong. To do them wrong (ashaq) can mean to deceive, defraud, or exploit; to forcibly rob; or to commit violence against. God even rebuked kings who could have harmed them, even when Abraham was less than completely honest with them (v. 14). Pharaoh and Abimelech, king of Gerar, are examples of this (Ge. 12:14–20; 20:1–7). These faith-filled pilgrims were God’s anointed or chosen people; and Abraham, their leader, was a prophet of God (v. 15; 20:7). Therefore, God would not allow the kings or any others who dwelled in the land to touch (nagah) them, lay a hand on them, strike them, or sexually assault them.

Thought 1. Like Abraham and his followers, we too face potential dangers as we journey toward heaven, dangers such as …

• being injured or killed while travelling—car wrecks, plane crashes, etc.

• being robbed

• being violently attacked

• being physically or sexually abused

• being exploited or taken advantage of financially

• being injured or killed in war or in a war-torn country

• being persecuted or even slain for our faith

The list of potential dangers is endless. Realistically, danger can occur in nearly every area of life, from the forces of nature to the forces of evil, from an innocent accident to the wicked deeds of the heart, and so on. As we grow ever closer to our Lord’s return, Scripture warns that people will become increasingly fierce, and we will live in the midst of perilous times (2 Ti. 3:1–5). We must not, however, allow fear to control us or fall into its strangling grip. Instead, we need to trust in God’s love and power to protect us and to see us through whatever danger threatens us. We also need to make every effort to be ruled by a sound mind and not by irrational, fear-filled thinking (2 Ti. 1:7). Being filled with God’s Spirit will give us peace in perilous times (Ga. 5:22). We can rest in the knowledge that God will fulfill His purpose for our lives, and He will protect us according to His will for us (2 Ti. 4:18). Like Paul, we need to surrender to whatever will glorify God the most, realizing that the Lord might be magnified more through our suffering or dying than through our living (Ph. 1:20).

“For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day” (2 Ti. 1:12).

4 (105:16–25) Remember God’s wonderful care for His people.

As the psalmist encouraged God’s people by recalling the LORD’s wonderful works throughout their history, he moved to the story of Joseph (Ge. 37–50). God raised Joseph up for a crucial time—a time of deadly famine. Through Joseph, God demonstrated His wonderful care for His people. God also used Joseph’s life to give a clear prophetic picture of Christ: Joseph suffered so that the people might ultimately be saved.

a. God sent famine on the land: Because of the people’s sin (v. 16).

Pharaoh had a dream in which God warned him that He was going to strike Egypt’s food sources for seven long years (Ge. 41). And later God did that very thing! He sent a severe famine on the land of Egypt in judgment for the people’s sin.

b. God sent a man, Joseph, to prepare a way to deliver them (vv. 17–22).

In His providential care, God prepared a way to deliver His people by sending Joseph to Egypt years before the famine struck (v. 17). However, Joseph’s course to Egypt was not an easy one: he was sold as a slave by his jealous brothers (Ge. 37). But God was with him in an unusual way, and he found favor with his Egyptian master, Potiphar. Then, Potiphar’s lustful wife tried to seduce Joseph, and the godly young man resisted her advances. Scorned and seeking revenge, Potiphar’s wife falsely accused Joseph of sexually assaulting her. As a result, Joseph was jailed by his master (v. 18; Ge. 39).

While in prison, Joseph helped other prisoners by interpreting their dreams. Joseph’s interpretations all came true, proving that God had spoken to and through him (Ge. 40). Through a series of providential circumstances, Joseph was brought to the king’s attention. After he correctly interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, Egypt’s king freed Joseph from prison and placed him directly under him as ruler of the nation (vv. 19–21; Ge. 41).

Pharaoh set Joseph over everything he had, charging him to protect his possessions and the kingdom from the coming famine (v. 21). In addition, Joseph was to oversee the nation’s leaders as they tried to preserve Egypt’s economy through the famine (v. 22). Through Joseph’s God-given wisdom, both Egypt and Israel survived the seven-year crisis.

c. God stirred Israel (70 persons) to move to Egypt because of the famine, Ge. 46 (vv. 23–25).

God continued to work to preserve His people, stirring Israel (Jacob) to move his family to Egypt (the land of Ham) because of the famine (v. 23; Ge. 46). The land of Ham is another name for Egypt. God blessed the Israelites in an unusual way, causing them to multiply quickly. Eventually, Jacob’s family of seventy people grew so numerous that Pharaoh perceived them as a threat to Egypt (v. 24). The insecure king turned his nation against the Israelites; consequently, the Egyptians treated them as slaves and forced them to do brutal manual labor in the scorching sun (Ex. 1:1–14).

Thought 1. The story of Joseph perfectly illustrates God’s wonderful care for His people. God was ahead of the famine, and He prepared for the preservation of His people before the famine struck. From the pit to the prison to the palace, God’s hand is evident in Joseph’s life every step of the way—as is Satan’s. The wicked things that happened to Joseph were not caused by God; they were a part of Satan’s attempt to destroy God’s people and ultimately prevent Christ from ever being born. But God brought good out of the evil intended against Joseph and the Hebrew nation (Ge. 50:20). God worked through Joseph’s ongoing persecution to position him to save the world—including God’s people. Satan’s efforts through evil people could not stop God’s purposes from being accomplished.

In like fashion, God takes care of us. Although we cannot always see Him, God is always a step ahead of us, preparing the way for our preservation and the accomplishment of His will. We need to remember that God is always present in the circumstances of our lives, as painful and perplexing as they may be. We can be encouraged in difficult times by knowing that He is there, silently working all things together for our good. He loves us so much that He did not spare His own Son from the cross. With this in mind, we can be absolutely sure that He will care for us in the valleys and the dark times of our lives. Nothing can separate us from His conquering love (Ro. 8:28–39).

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Ro. 8:28).

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Pe. 5:7).

5 (105:26–36) Remember God’s judgments.

The LORD saw His dear people as they labored under the oppressive Egyptian bondage. They cried out in distress, and the LORD heard their cries (Ex. 2:23–25). He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and He sent them a deliverer. God set His people free, and in the process, He sharply judged their oppressors.

a. The executioners of God’s judgment: Moses and Aaron (v. 26).

The LORD sent Moses to deliver the Israelites and called his brother, Aaron, to help him (Ex. 3–4). Not only would they lead God’s people out of bondage, but they would also be the executioners of God’s judgment on the Egyptians. They were the human agents through whom God carried out His wrath on the nation that had so long tortured His chosen people.

b. The judgments: They were miraculous but terrifying warnings to all the wicked and disobedient of the earth (vv. 27–36).

Moses and Aaron obediently performed God’s signs and wonders before Pharaoh and the land of Egypt (v. 27). These signs were the ten plagues that God inflicted on the Egyptian oppressors (Ex. 7–12). The plagues were miraculous, but they were also terrifying and, in the end, deadly. God’s fierce judgment on Egypt should serve as a warning to all the wicked and disobedient of the earth: there is danger in opposing God’s plan and in oppressing His people. The psalmist recited the dreadful plagues through which God judged Egypt:

⮚ A frightening darkness due to Egypt’s rebellion against God’s command to set His people free (v. 28; Ex. 10:21–23). This was actually the ninth plague, but the psalmist mentioned it first.

⮚ A pollution of all the waters and the destruction of the fishing industry (v. 29; Ex. 7:17–25).

⮚ An infestation of frogs that overran Egypt’s land and households (v. 30; Ex. 8:1–11).

⮚ A plague of maddening flies and lice or gnats that swarmed throughout the land (v. 31; Ex. 8:16–24).

⮚ A season of destructive hail and frightening storms that ruined the fruit industry along with the forests and lumber industry (vv. 32–33; Ex. 9:18–26).

⮚ An invasion of locusts and grasshoppers that ate all the green vegetation, destroying Egypt’s farming industry and food supply (vv. 34–35; Ex. 10:4–15).

⮚ The striking down of the eldest son of every family (v. 36; Ex. 11:1–10; 12:29–30). God had given Egypt nine previous opportunities to obey Him before sending this drastic judgment. It was the tragic consequence of their continued rebellion against God and His command.

Thought 1. Persecution is advancing against believers throughout our world at an alarming rate. Oppressive governments and religious fanatics are leading the charge against those who serve Jesus Christ. This should not surprise us: our Lord warned us that we would face persecution. It will only worsen as we approach the return of Christ and the end of this age. In his vision of things to come, John foresaw a great host who will be slain for the Word of God and their testimony of faith (Re. 6:9–11). May the steadfast faith of the martyred apostles, the early Christians, and the millions who have laid down their lives for Christ through the centuries inspire us to be faithful until death as well!

John saw this martyred host in heaven crying out for God to judge their persecutors and avenge their blood (Re. 6:10). Every persecuted believer can be encouraged by God’s judgment on the Egyptians. God will righteously judge every single individual who oppresses His people. Jesus promised that God will avenge His people in His time, challenging us to be faithful until He comes (Lu. 18:7–8).

Furthermore, all who dare rise up against Israel should be warned by God’s judgment on Egypt. God promised Abraham that He would curse those who curse him and his descendants (He. 12:3). Throughout history, the LORD has proven Himself true to His Word, eventually bringing down those who oppressed His chosen people. Those who are alive now or yet to be born who oppress God’s people can be certain of this: they too will stand before God in judgment in His time.

“And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” (Lu. 18:7).

6 (105:37–41) Remember God’s redemption.

The psalmist reminded the remnant that God had successfully delivered His people from Egypt. And He had protected and provided for them all along their journey. Remembering God’s redemption would strengthen them for the trying times in which they lived.

a. He saved and set His people free (vv. 37–38).

The LORD faithfully saved His chosen people and set them free from Egyptian bondage. When God’s full judgment fell upon the terrified Egyptians, they quickly sent the Israelites on their way. They even gave the Israelites provisions for their journey along with silver and gold because of their oppression down through the years—a form of restitution (v. 37a; Ex. 3:21–22; 11:1–3; 12:29–36). As the enslaved people hastily fled from their taskmasters, the LORD continuously strengthened them for their rigorous journey. Not one of the Israelites grew weak or faltered along the way (v. 37b).

God’s purpose for His people had been accomplished: His intense judgments had at last struck enough fear in the Egyptians to make them willing, and even glad, to release the Israelites (v. 38). But at what a price! Their stubborn rebellion against God had cost them nearly everything they had—most tragically, their firstborn sons.

b. He led and protected His people both day and night (v. 39).

As the Israelites embarked on their journey, God led and protected them along the way (v. 39). His cloud went before them during the day, and His fire lit their way at night. The cloud and the fire were symbols of God’s glorious presence with His people. Not only did they serve to guide God’s people in their journey, but they also protected them from the Egyptians who pursued them (Ex. 13:21–22; 14:19–20; Ps. 78:14).

c. He provided nourishment for His people (vv. 40–41).

As God’s people traveled toward the promised land, the LORD provided their nourishment (Ex. 13:1–16). When they asked for food, He directed quail to fly their way (v. 40a; Ps. 78:26–29). Every morning, He faithfully sent the bread of heaven, a fresh supply of sweet manna that was more than enough to satisfy their hunger (v. 40b; Ps. 78:24–25). He also provided life-giving water for them in the dry places along the way, causing water to miraculously gush out of a rock (v. 41; Ps. 78:15–16; Ex. 17:1–7). The water was so abundant that it flowed like a river.

Thought 1. When we are struggling or discouraged, we need to remember God’s great work of redemption in our lives. Through the riches of His grace and the blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, we have been saved and set free from the bondage of sin (Ep. 1:7; Ro. 6:22–23). Like the children of Israel, He has set us on a journey to the land that He has promised—heaven itself. And, like their journey, ours is not always easy.

Thankfully, we do not travel alone: God has promised that His presence will be with us every step of the way (He. 13:5–6). He will lead, protect, and provide for us daily. We need not be afraid, and we need not worry. Our Lord has instructed us to focus on God’s kingdom. When we live for Him, He will care for our every need until He takes us to our heavenly home (Mt. 6:25–33; Ph. 4:19).

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people” (Lu. 1:68).

7 (105:42–45) Remember God’s faithfulness in keeping His sacred promise.

As he neared the end of this divinely-inspired song, the psalmist revealed his purpose for taking God’s struggling people on a journey through their past: to remind them of God’s faithfulness in keeping His sacred promise (v. 42). The LORD made a covenant with Abraham, and He had never forgotten His vow to the man who trusted Him enough to leave everything behind and follow Him by faith (Ro. 4:20–21).

a. He brought His people out of the wilderness (after 40 years) and filled them with joy and rejoicing (v. 43).

The psalmist reminded the discouraged remnant that God had always remained faithful to their forefathers in spite of their failures. After all that God had done for them in miraculously delivering them from Egypt, the Israelites did not trust Him enough to enter the promised land. Therefore, God disciplined them by requiring them to wander in the wilderness for forty years. But after these forty years had ended, God brought His people out of the wilderness, filling them with joy and rejoicing. This example surely resonated with the faithful remnant, for God had brought them out of Babylon at the end of seventy years of His discipline on their unfaithful nation.

b. He gave His people their promised inheritance: Lands that pagans had owned and toiled for (v. 44).

God kept His Word by giving His people the inheritance He had promised them: the land of Canaan. Lands that pagans had owned and toiled for became theirs, all in fulfillment of the LORD’s promise to Abraham. In like manner, God had returned the present generation of faithful Israelites back to Jerusalem, just as He had promised.

c. He did everything for one reason: So His people would obey His laws and praise Him (v. 45).

God had a special reason behind everything He did for the Israelites: He wanted a people who would sincerely trust, worship, and serve Him and obey His laws. Of all the peoples of the earth, God selected the descendants of faithful Abraham to be His peculiar treasure, His unique, special people (Ex. 19:5; Ps. 135:4). All of His wonderful works in their behalf were performed to win the full devotion of their hearts: to stir them to love Him enough to follow and obey His Word.

Realizing God’s favor on Israel and remembering all He had done for them led the psalmist to call for the only appropriate response from His people: Praise the LORD!

Thought 1. As Abraham’s spiritual seed, we can be assured that the LORD will keep His promises to us, just as He has been faithful to His covenant with Abraham’s physical seed, the Jews. Like them, we can expect to suffer affliction as we walk through life. We will also face trials and temptations. And when we disobey God, He will discipline us as our loving Father. Others of us will be persecuted because of our faith in Christ. And all of us will have to make difficult choices whether or not to obey God, choices that may require us to make great sacrifices. Some will have to choose between Christ and their families. Others will have to choose between Christ and their homes and possessions. Still others will have to choose between Christ and their jobs, businesses, or careers. Sadly, some will have to choose between Christ and their lives, actually facing martyrdom.

When we are struggling or discouraged, we need to hold fast to God’s faithfulness to His people. He will not fail us, even when we fail Him (2 Ti. 2:13). When we accepted His offer of salvation through faith in His Son, we entered into a covenant with Him. He is the LORD—Yahweh, Jehovah—the God who keeps His covenant. He will never forsake us. His love for us is steadfast and unfailing. We are the recipients of His favor, mercy, and grace. We are His peculiar people, a chosen generation, a holy nation (1 Pe. 2:9; Tit. 2:14). God will do all that He has promised. He will preserve us in life and ultimately transport us to His heavenly kingdom, where we will live with Him eternally (2 Ti. 4:18). Praise the LORD!

“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Co. 1:9).

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Ph. 1:6).