SATURDAY, August 14 (Jonathan Myrick Daniels)

Psalm 107:33-43. The Lord changed rivers into deserts, and water-springs into thirsty ground, a fruitful land into salt flats, because of the wickedness of those who dwell there. He changed deserts into pools of water and dry land into water-springs. He settled the hungry there, and they founded a city to dwell in. They sowed fields, and planted vineyards, and brought in a fruitful harvest.

In this psalm God is shown at work, guiding and helping people in ordinary life.

The normal unfailing care of God for us all is vividly brought before us to awaken our wonder and gratitude. Growing seed feeds the hungry, travelers are guided on their way, ships are led though the perils of the sea, lands are irrigated and made productive, cities are built and governed, penitents are forgiven. Each picture ends with an exhortation to praise.

Times of great deliverance move us to thanksgiving, but we are apt to take daily blessings for granted. Do we have the habit of seeing God in everything and giving thanks? This psalmist even sees God at work when the springs dry up and the crops fail. A thankful spirit sees more and more things for which to be thankful. (1939)

PRAY for the Diocese of Florida (Province IV, USA)

Ps 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13) * 33; Judges 16:1-14; Acts 7:30-43; John 5:1-18

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email this

Trackback(0)

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (6) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Show/hide comments

Giving thanks

Aug 14, 2010 at 9:59 am

Written by Debora Wempen,

Giving thanks for the big things seems to come naturally. Giving thanks for the daily blessings is harder. i think is it part of our learning and development as we live our life and grow in Christ. it becomes more natural for me as i learn more about God and progress on my daily walk with him.

...

Aug 14, 2010 at 11:20 am

Written by Andrea,

The first part of the quotation from the psalm doesn't seem to me to be about ordinary, everyday "blessings." It seems to be about seeing the hand of a punishing, vindictive God in natural events. I have no problem with the psalmist feeling that way - if we accept that the psalms show the whole range of human emotions and responses to God and the world, then some of those responses are going to be off base. (Who among us hasn't wondered what we did to "deserve" something bad that happened? It's human nature to wonder, I think.) But I do have a problem with saying that because there was a drought or a famine or a flood, the people who live in such places must be being punished by God for their "wickedness." Really? Sounds a little too much like Jerry Falwell saying the earthquake struck Haiti because they made a pact with the devil 200 years ago.

...

Aug 14, 2010 at 1:09 pm

Written by elizabeth austin,

When I read this psalm, I don't see a punishing God-I see those who chose their own way and leave out God or make themselves God reap consequences. Like the author, I see God trying to seek out human company in the ordinary. If I seek my own way and not His will I will find a desert or raging sea metaphorically in my everyday life (as certainly for me occurs). But if I seek His way and am thankful (or ask for a thankful spirit) in the ordinary frustrations of life, His Spirit gives comfort and fruit at the end. Nothing is as we expect but He is.

-1

...

Aug 14, 2010 at 1:23 pm

Written by Andrea,

This doesn't sound punishing to anyone but me? "The Lord changed rivers into deserts, and water-springs into thirsty ground, a fruitful land into salt flats, because of the wickedness of those who dwell there."

Consequences

Aug 14, 2010 at 6:00 pm

Written by Pamela,

I think that both interpretations have merit. That is, if we deviate from God's way, we will find ourselves in the desert. We can also reap God's displeasure if we stray from his teachings (expectations). The idea of a a "punishing" or "wrathful" God is uncomfortable for us as it is contrary to our idea of a loving God. But if we understand God as our ultimate parent, then we must expect occasions where we will be corrected. The psalm does contain the word "because," which I understand as causal. Weren't Adam and Eve punished for their disobediance?

...

Aug 15, 2010 at 12:33 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

God created the universe. The universe is violent and constantly changing. We are blessed to have the Earth, our island home, in the vastness of the universe. I don't think that we should look at natural events as punishment.

Living in harmony with nature means being able to read the wind, plants and animals. It is understanding the forces of ice, fire, wind and water. God gave us senses and free-will so that we could know where not to pitch our tent, and when to turn around and go the other way.

Write comment

Show/hide comment form

The History of Forward Movement:

Weary and Divided Church | The First Publication | Church Moves Forward | Name Change | The First Editor

Check out Lent Madness -- daily devotions with the saints that are fun and informative.

Download the new Readers' Guide for the February Forward Day by Day! Updated monthly.

Signup for e-news

10ways-to-pray Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!

Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.

Start a Subscription Prayer Chapel

Resources

Today's Meditation Podcast Día a Día (Spanish Version) Editor’s Notes Mobile Reading For Today A Morning Resolve How to Use Forward Day by Day Scripture Listings

Latest Meditations

Meditation Archives

February, 2012 January, 2012 December, 2011 November, 2011 October, 2011 September, 2011 August, 2011 July, 2011 June, 2011 May, 2011 April, 2011 March, 2011

Request a Catalog Make a Donation