Psalm 107 unfolds before us a moving tapestry of God’s heart and hand—His lovingkindness and His wonderful works. Repeated like a holy refrain throughout the psalm is this call to worship: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:8, 15, 21, 31, BSB). It’s as though the psalmist, gripped by the weight of divine mercy and the majesty of God’s acts, can’t help but plead with the people to respond. Here, gratitude is not a suggestion—it is the only fitting reply.

Psalm 107 is a song of rescue, a record of redemption, and a reminder that the God we worship is not passive. He is actively at work, meeting real people in real need. The psalm sets before us two radiant truths: the tender heart of God, full of covenant love, and the mighty hand of God, accomplishing wondrous deeds. Together, they form the melody of mercy that echoes from one generation to the next.

His Lovingkindness—A Heart of Endless Mercy

The Hebrew word translated as lovingkindness (or steadfast love) is one of the richest in all of Scripture. It speaks of God’s loyal, covenant-keeping mercy. It is His heart extended to His people—not because they deserve it, but because He delights to give it. It is the warmth behind His faithfulness and the motive behind every gracious act.

This love is not abstract. It is marvelously active (Psalm 17:7; 31:21), faithfully present (Psalm 23:6), and powerfully protective (Psalm 32:10). It is called precious (Psalm 36:7), better than life (Psalm 63:3), and fully satisfying to the soul (Psalm 90:14). God’s lovingkindness lifts us from the pit, crowns us with compassion, and breathes life into weary hearts (Psalm 103:4; 119:88, 149).

In the lives of His people, we see echoes of this divine love. David shows it to Mephibosheth, Esther receives it from the king, Hezekiah expresses it in his goodness. But all these human kindnesses point beyond themselves. They are shadows—beautiful but incomplete. Only in God is lovingkindness boundless, everlasting, and inexhaustible.

His Wonderful Works—A Hand Mighty to Save

And what of His hand? The psalmist calls them “wonderful works”— not because they are quaint, but because they are jaw-dropping. These are the actions of a sovereign Redeemer who breaks chains, parts seas, and feeds souls. Each scene in Psalm 107 recounts a facet of divine deliverance.

We begin with Redemption: “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so…” (Psalm 107:2, BSB). He rescues from bondage, pulling His people from every dark corner of oppression.

Then, Election: “He gathered them from the lands…” (v. 3). His calling is no accident—it is deliberate, effectual, and full of mercy.

Next, Emancipation: “They cried out…and He delivered them” (v. 6). This is not a hesitant rescue—it is the decisive intervention of heaven.

Then comes Direction: “He led them by a straight way…” (v. 7). Our Shepherd does not drive us aimlessly—He leads with purpose, bringing His people to rest.

There is also Satisfaction: “He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry…” (v. 9). In Christ, our deepest hunger finds its Bread, our deepest thirst its Living Water.

Then Salvation: multiple times the people cry out, and again and again “He saved them from their distress” (v. 13, 19). God’s deliverance is neither stingy nor reluctant. He is eager to save.

Next, Pacification: “He stilled the storm to a whisper…” (v. 29). Who is this, who calms the wind and waves? It is the Lord of glory—able to hush the chaos with a word.

Then comes Transformation: “He turns rivers into deserts…and deserts into pools” (vv. 33–35). No condition is beyond His reach—He can reverse any situation.

Finally, Benediction: “He blesses them, and they multiply greatly” (v. 38). God’s blessing is not minimal; it is overflowing. He delights to give good gifts.

Have you seen these works in your life? Have you been redeemed, satisfied, calmed, or transformed? Then say so! Psalm 107 reminds us that thanksgiving is not only for those who feel spiritual—it is the natural response of the redeemed.

It is no wonder that four times the psalmist repeats the call: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!” (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31). Four times! Not because we forget once—but because we forget often. We remember the trial, but not the deliverance. We rehearse the pain, but not the healing. This psalm pulls us back to gratitude. It arrests our wandering hearts and lifts our eyes to heaven.

Dear friend, have you tasted His lovingkindness? Have you seen His wonderful works? If so, let your heart rise in thanks. Let your lips declare His praise. Don’t keep silent. Don’t wait for the next blessing to begin worshiping. Let your gratitude spring from the deep well of all He has already done.

“Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the loving devotion of the LORD.” (Psalm 107:43, BSB)

Cross References for Meditation:

Psalm 63:3 – “Because Your loving devotion is better than life, my lips will glorify You.”

Isaiah 12:5 – “Sing to the LORD, for He has done glorious things. Let this be known in all the earth.”

Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!”

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