Psalms 107:23-43
Many people think of God only when they are in trouble. Should they therefore be surprised if He sends them some? Like sailors caught up in a storm (vv. 23-30), men are sometimes put in desperate situations (Luke 8:23 . . .). In this way God wants them to realise just how powerless they are and that all their wisdom counts for nothing (v. 27; Psalms 108:12). Why? To cause them to cry to Him. That is all He is waiting for before He intervenes. At the same time man’s spirit is calmed when he allows the Lord to take over the helm and lets Him lead him to the desired haven! (v. 30).
These ways of God to save a soul have their equivalent in the life of the believer. The earthly sources where he goes for water may dry up (v. 33; cf. 1 Kings 17:7). But at the same time the Lord will lead him to living water where he would not expect it (v. 35; Exodus 15:22-25). What appears to be arid and bitter will in fact become a source of joy and strength to the soul. "Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the LORD" (v. 43). Yes, may we have the confidence that all our circumstances, the painful ones as well as the pleasant ones, are given by His mercy which "endureth for ever." (cf. v. 1).