They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:30
I was drifting off into an impromptu nap when it hit me. From the basement, my son ripped a chord on his electric guitar. The walls reverberated. No peace. No quiet. No nap. Moments later, competing music greeted my ears: my daughter playing “Amazing Grace” on the piano.
Normally, I love my son’s guitar playing. But in that moment, it jarred and unsettled me. Just as quickly, the familiar notes of John Newton’s hymn reminded me that grace thrives amid the chaos. No matter how loud, unwanted, or disorienting the storms of life might be, God’s notes of grace ring clear and true, reminding us of His watchful care over us.
We see that reality in Scripture. In Psalm 107:23–32, sailors struggle mightily against a maelstrom that could easily devour them. “In their peril, their courage melted away” (v. 26). Still, they didn’t despair but “cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress” (v. 28). Finally, we read: “They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven” (v. 30).
In chaotic moments, whether they’re life-threatening or merely sleep-threatening, the barrage of noise and fear can storm our souls. But as we trust God and pray to Him, we experience the grace of His presence and provision—the haven of His steadfast love.
23 Some went out on the seaa in ships;b
they were merchants on the mighty waters.
24 They saw the works of the Lord,c
his wonderful deeds in the deep.
25 For he spoked and stirred up a tempeste
that lifted high the waves.f
26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
in their perilg their courage meltedh away.
27 They reeledi and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they criedj out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.k
29 He stilled the storml to a whisper;
the wavesm of the seab were hushed.n
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided themo to their desired haven.
31 Let them give thanksp to the Lord for his unfailing loveq
and his wonderful deedsr for mankind.
32 Let them exalts him in the assemblyt of the people
and praise him in the council of the elders.
INSIGHT
- When have you experienced God’s haven of peace in other people?
- To whom might you offer similar encouragement?
Psalm 107 opens and closes with the ideas that guide the understanding of all forty-three verses. Verse 1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” And verse 43 reads, “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” The combination of these verses tells the reader that God’s “loving deeds” will endure forever. The verses in between are broken into sections that describe the stories of the redeemed (vv. 2–3). Taken together, this psalm paints a picture of a God who acts to bring people to Himself. His loving deeds that endure forever are what bring people to a recognition and dependence on the goodness and love of Him.
PRAYER
Father, help me to remember to call out to You when the waters of life are rising, and help me to offer hope to others. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: Psalm 107:23-32 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: Zachariah 13-14; Revelation 21
