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Psalm 107:1 - Attitude of Gratitude.

TRANSLATIONS AND PARAPHRASES

Psalm 107:1 (NIV) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1 (NLT) Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1 (TLB) Say thank you to the Lord for being so good, for always being so loving and kind.

Psalm 107:1 (MSG) Oh, thank GOD - he's so good! His love never runs out.

WORD STUDY

   Today's Bible promise describes One who never falters on His commitment to us. God "is good," and "His mercy endures forever." The word mercy in Hebrew (chesed) is difficult to translate into English. It is sometimes translated "love," but that can mean many different things - like romance, friendship, or even a craving for chocolate.
   God's love is multifaceted, like a diamond. It is described as lovingkindness and tender mercy (Psalm 103:4); it is not only giving but self-sacrificing, willing to die for the sake of others (John 15:13; Romans 5:8). Such extravagant love was most clearly shown when Jesus died on the cross for the sins of the world. It is not surprising that many hymns focus on the sacrifice of Christ - "The Old Rugged Cross," "Jesus Paid It All," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," and "What Wondrous Love Is This." [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts]

CONTEXT

This psalm speaks of people in four different types of stressful situations and how God rescues them: wanderers (107:4-9), prisoners (107:10-16), the distressed and sick (107:17-20), and the storm-tossed (107:23-30). No matter how extreme our calamity, God breaks through to help us. He offers love and kindness to those in deep distress

INTRODUCTION

   Psalm 107 describes a spiritual malnutrition among God's people that has them wandering in a deserted land. They are hungry and thirsty and desperate. But when they cry out to God, he rescues them. The cycle is repeated in the psalm, with verse 6 essentially being repeated in verses 13, 19 and 28. This is also our appropriate response in our wilderness moments - calling out to God for his help and waiting for him to come to the rescue. And he does, repeatedly.
   The psalmist also describes an attitude - gratitude - that will continually nourish us and keep us out of future wastelands. The call to give thanks is presented five times in this psalm, first in verse 1 and then repeated in verses 8, 15, 21 and 31. Cultivating a grateful heart is one of the greatest investments we can make in our own spiritual and emotional health. [NIV Once A Day Bible]

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I frequently scroll through Instagram admiring the funniest animal photos of the year, award-winning landscape shots, amazing underwater images, and other pictures that fill my feed. I marvel at the beautiful images. In college I took photography classes and I wish I had kept up with it because it's a creative way of capturing God's glory in the world.
   Recently, a friend mentioned he takes a photo every day and saves it in a gratitude album on his phone. This novel idea grabbed my attention. Research shows gratitude helps people feel happier, relish good moments, improve health, handle adversity better, and build stronger relationships. For many years, I've kept a gratitude journal as a practice for remembering and expressing my thankfulness to Jesus, who gave His life for me, provides new mercies every day, and loves me unconditionally. A photo album capturing and recording daily pictures I took would be a meaningful way for me to further express my thankfulness to Him. I started making it a part of my gratitude practice too.
   So, every day I pray my eyes will be opened to see Jesus's goodness, and I record that moment with a visual memory. As I scroll through my gratitude photos, I have a picture-perfect reminder of all I am grateful for. Jeannie Blackmer
   Faith Step: Today, snap a photo of someone or something for which you are grateful. Before going to sleep, look at that picture again and thank Jesus. Mornings With Jesus 2025 Devotional by Guideposts and Zondervan]

CLOSING THOUGHT

Disappointments and setbacks will cloud our lives, no matter how much we are blessed with.  We have the choice to be thankful or resentful.  I can fuss with the thorns on the rose bush, or be thankful that the thorn bush has roses.  Alda Ellis

POWERFUL TESTIMONY

It was a tough situation to accept. I could have easily got wrapped up in a thick blanket of self-pity; I sure could, but I've learned better. I've built up a habit of gratitude for all God does for me and when we do that long enough it makes it really difficult to practice self-pity and fall into depression. [anonymous inmate]

LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Psalm 107:1 - The Enduring Love of God.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240919-1320.html

1 Chronicles 16:34 - Praise God for His Goodness and Everlasting Love and Mercy.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20241228-1410.html

Psalm 136:1 - Praise God for His Goodness and Everlasting Love.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190624-1006.html

Psalm 103:2 - Fully Praise The Lord And Remember All The Good Things He Has Done
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230219-0934.html

Psalm 23:6 - JESUS' GOODNESS AND UNFAILING LOVE.
https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240106-0747.html

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/