He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. Psalm 107:29
In the spring of 2021, several storm-chasers recorded videos and took photos of a rainbow next to a tornado in Texas. In one video, long stalks of wheat in a field bent under the power of the whirling winds. A brilliant rainbow cut across the gray skyline and arched toward the twister. Bystanders in another video stood on the side of the road and watched the symbol of hope standing firm beside the twisting funnel-shaped cloud.
In Psalm 107, the psalmist offers hope and encourages us to turn to God during difficult times. He describes some who were in the middle of a storm, “at their wits’ end” (v. 27). “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress” (v. 28).
God understands His children will sometimes struggle to feel hopeful when life feels like a storm. We need reminders of His faithfulness, especially when the horizon looks dark and tumultuous.
Whether our storms come as substantial obstacles in our lives, as emotional turmoil, or as mental stress, God can still our storms “to a whisper” and guide us to a place of refuge (vv. 29–30). Though we may not experience relief in our preferred way or time, we can trust God to keep the promises He’s given in Scripture. His enduring hope will cut through any storm.
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 struggled to feel hopeful during a storm in your life?
- How has God given you reminders of His promises through Scripture and His people when you needed a burst of hope?
Psalm 107 is a song of thanksgiving (vv. 1, 31) celebrating God as the loving and merciful Deliverer, Savior, Protector, and Provider of people in crisis (see vv. 2, 41). Citing four groups of people in various situations of trouble and distress (vv. 4, 10, 17, 23), the psalmist describes how God had redeemed and rescued them from adversity, bondage, foolish ways, danger at sea, and ultimately death. God will save those who turn to Him for help (v. 41). The psalmist calls on the worshiper to “give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” This refrain occurs in verses 8, 15, 21, and 31. Highlighting God’s sovereignty and mighty power (vv. 33–42), the psalmist closes his song with an invitation: “Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord” (v. 43).
PRAYER
Loving God, thank You for being my hope-giver no matter what’s going on in my life. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: Psalm 107:23-32 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 13-14; John 12:1-26
