Four times in Psalm 107 we come to a phrase that requests action. “Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of men” (verses 8,15,21,31). Then the Psalm ends with, “Whoever is wise let him attend to these things: let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD”.

So, in being wise we understand and appreciate the actions of the LORD in attending, or responding, to the actions of human beings in the way they live their lives towards God. There are clear comparisons to that of children toward their parents as they grow, and there is often considerable failure in the “wisdom” of human parents in the way they train their children. But we are dealing with the wonderful divine parent. Isn’t this the reason why we call Him our “Heavenly Father”.

Verse 17 states, “Some were fools through their sinful ways and because of their iniquities suffered affliction”. We can see parallels in these words with life today. Our world has ceased to look to God’s word and has more or less abandoned belief in Him. The time will come, as verses 26,27 tells us, when “their courage melted away in their evil plight; they reeled and staggered like drunken men and were at their wits’ end”.

This is the spirit that is swamping our world; with what astonishment will the world see divine action taking place to prevent humans from destroying God’s creation and, in the process, themselves. The prophets warn of God’s ultimate actions, for example Jeremiah speaks of the time coming when “the LORD has an indictment against the nations; he is entering into judgment with all flesh … Thus says the LORD of hosts; Behold disaster is going forth from nation to nation …” (25:31,32). At that time as verse 42 of our Psalm states, “The upright see it and are glad, and all wickedness shuts its mouth”. Let us make sure we are among those who “thank the LORD … for his wondrous works” in bringing peace out of chaos.