TLIC Psalms. October 8. Fools Through Their Sinful Ways.

Read Psalm 107:17-22 ¹⁷Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction; ¹⁸they loathed any kind of food, and they drew near to the gates of death. ¹⁹Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. ²⁰He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. ²¹Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! ²²And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!

There is righteous suffering that comes because we are doing what is right (Jeremiah, Jesus, Paul). There is suffering that comes as a result of simply living in a fallen world (Job, Ruth). Then there is suffering that comes as the result of our own sin. Self-inflicted pain and sorrow. That’s the category the psalmist is reflecting on in this stanza – Some were fools through their sinful ways, and because of their iniquities suffered affliction.

The word fool is a strong word in wisdom literature. The fool is not the ignorant but the rebellious. The fool refuses to submit to God’s ways, they refuse to fear the Lord. They are self-deceived because they are self-absorbed. As a result, they are quite possibly literally sick and dying, facing destruction.  

The good news is that God’s deliverance is always just a humble cry away. God never refuses to deliver us. God never withholds his grace and mercy. Not from those who turn to him in godly sorrow and true repentance. And in those moments God not only forgives but begins the healing process. How? Through his sent Word. Jesus the healing power that indwells the soul of all who have come back to him to find his rest.

Healing may be long and hard, but to live is Christ means that the journey is not only possible, but it has already been accomplished by Christ our Savior so that even if we don’t find complete healing from our sin’s consequences on this side of the grave, we will definitely find it on the other side.

Prayer. Jesus, what is my response to your deliverance from my sin? Let me be forever thankful for your deliverance. Let me forever sings songs of joy for your mighty deeds in my life. Amen.