Psalm 107 concludes with these words, “Whoever is wise, let him or her attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD.” For those who seek to live our lives wisely, we would, the psalmist contends, do well to ponder and meditate on the stories of reversal in Psalm 107.
There are, in fact, four reversal stories in this psalm. Each story describes the lostness of a particular people and their “deliverance from their distress.” They find themselves lost because of dryness of soul, wilful choices, and worldly lusts. They are found because of the steadfast love of the LORD and “his wondrous works to the children of men!”
Each vignette describes the reversal of plight for the lost, regardless of how each ended up lost in the first place. Verses 33-38 affirms that despite our assumption of control, we are at the mercies of God, who, as we have learned, is steadfast in his love and wondrous in his works.
PREPARATION:
IMPORTANT: Try to make sure you have at least 25 minutes of uninterrupted time for this practice. Be realistic and honest about how much space and stamina you have for the quiet components. Some of us will welcome stillness and silence, but most of us will likely struggle to get through even 3-5 minutes of silence—and that is okay! Arrange whatever time you think reasonable (suggested times are provided), and set a timer, it helps. Get into a comfortable position but not too comfortable, so you don’t fall asleep.
PRACTICE:
READ
Read Psalm 107 slowly.
Now that you are familiar with the context and words, close your eyes and take three deep breaths. As you breathe in, pray “Holy Spirit… and as you breathe out, pray, “…Give me ears to hear.” Ask God to give you an openness to hear whatever the Spirit wishes to bring to you today. If (when!) your thoughts wander in the stillness, breathe the centering prayer to quiet your mind. Focus on your breaths as you envision breathing in God’s presence.
Now, reread the passage slowly, immersing yourself in the four short stories of lostness and reversal. As you read,
· Listen for a word or phrase that stands out to you. Don’t choose this yourself, let the Spirit bring it to your mind. Even if you don’t like it, try to welcome it with humility (it’s key!) and see what happens.
· Consider which story you relate to most? Are you wandering in a dry place, your soul parched? Are you imprisoned because of rebellion? Are you afflicted because of poor choices? Are you ambitious but drowning?
Give yourself 3-5 minutes to ponder the questions and listen quietly.
REFLECT
Reread the psalm, slowly. As you reflect on the psalm, consider the following:
· The word or phrase that stood out to you. Why do you think these words resonated with you?
· Which story you resonate with and why.
Give yourself 3-5 minutes to ponder all this. Then, ask God, “How does this connect with my life today? What do I need to know or be or do?”
RESPOND
Read the psalm one last time, preparing yourself for what you want to say to God about what you think the Spirit might have spoken to you or what came to you as you imagined yourself in the stories of the psalm.
Pray whatever you need to pray. You might thank God for something or confess to God something or ask God for something.
Give yourself 2-3 minutes to respond.
REST
Do as you are led for the last 5 minutes. You may wish to wait quietly on God—to simply be with Jesus. You may want to pay attention to God, pondering: what God does in this psalm and what we do, or what about God makes you marvel, or least be with him? Sit in the companionship of God—the one who reverses and rescues out of steadfast love.