Psalm 107:8-9

Psalm 107:8-9

The Lord fills the hungry with good things

Verse 1 of this Psalm encouraged us to “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.” Our reasons for being thankful are now expanded and they embrace the attributes of a generous and loving God; we are to give thanks TO Him – for His unfailing love. In other words, we need to take time out to just stop and say “Thank You for Your love for me that is revealed in countless different ways, every day of my life. Thank You for Your wonderful deeds for all mankind, not just for me. Thank You that the thirsty are satisfied and the hungry are filled with good things.” 

As I write, it is a Sunday morning in March 2024 and a US military ship is sailing towards the Middle East, carrying equipment to build a temporary pier off the coast of Gaza. Many organisations are waiting to transport supplies of food to a war-torn land where innocent adults and children are reportedly starving. The people of Gaza are Muslims and may never give thanks to YAHWEH for His provision, but we thank Him simply because this Psalm has been teaching us that all food comes from Him. The Psalm tells us to give thanks for the Lord’s wonderful deeds not just for believers but “for mankind!”

We live in a land of plenty where starvation and famine are unheard of, where every delicacy that we could name is available at the right price. In fact, it has been noticeable in this area of the UK, that it is rare event to be able to drop into a restaurant and just order a meal, the venues are heaving most of the time, and you have to book a table in advance if you want to be fed! If the abundance of God’s provision increases, should our thankfulness not increase pro rata? And if we have been in the desert or wilderness at times in our lives, should we not be especially grateful when things are going well, instead of taking them for granted? I think that is the message of these verses.

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