RESTORATION
“Will life ever be the same again?” (Psalm 107)
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his faithful love endures forever. (Verse 1)
The reason the psalmist begins his psalm with gratitude is that God brings restoration. This is vividly pictured throughout this psalm – those under oppression by an enemy are redeemed (verses 2-3), those who wander are given a home (verses 4-9), the imprisoned are freed (verses 10-16), the afflicted are healed (verses 17-22), and those in danger are rescued (verses 23-32).
In times of great loss, such restoration might seem impossible. But this is God’s specialty – “to do above and beyond all that we ask or think” (Ephesians 3:20). The psalmist testifies to this:
But he lifts the needy out of their suffering and makes their families multiply like flocks. The upright see it and rejoice, and all injustice shuts its mouth. (verses 41-42)
If you read through this psalm, you will notice how all of the images are illustrations of a far greater spiritual restoration. The Lord gives salvation (verses 2-3), a home (verses 4-9), freedom (verses 10-16), healing (verses 17-22), and deliverance (verses 23-32). What you have lost in this life may not be restored. But – and this is so important – what he does promise to restore is you
Jesus came to fulfill the prophecy to bring restoration to people, “He will not break a bruised reed, and he will not put out a smoldering wick” (Matthew 12:20). In that day, flutes were made out of reeds that became damaged after repeated use. Unable to make a melody, the shepherd would simply snap the bruised reed and throw it away. It had lost its usefulness, so it would be discarded. Smoldering wick refers to oil lamps that brought light to a home. If the wick burned low, it would sputter with a failing light, and so be extinguished and discarded.
The bruised reed and smoldering wick are pictures of people who are injured. Christ is not through with those in pain. The Lord’s compassion for you never fails, his mercies for you are new every morning. He brings restoration, giving a song to those who are bruised and rekindling to those who are in need of grace.
So as the psalmist encourages, “Let whoever is wise pay attention to these things and consider the Lord’s acts of faithful love” (verse 43). Consider and trust the Lord’s faithful love to do his good work in your life, rekindling your light and restoring your song.
Article Excerpt from When Your World Shatters, a practical resource for those in crisis. (Amazon)
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Ron Prosise is executor director of an association of ninety churches in the Sacramento area, and the Command Chaplain of the California State Guard. He is a veteran of the Iraq War, and was awarded the Bronze Star for heroic service in a combat zone. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from The Masters Seminary; he holds diplomas from the USAF War College, and USAF Air Command and Staff College. He is the author of When Your World Shatters, a practical resource for those in crisis (Amazon). It is also availble in Spanish. He and his wife Donna have two children and one granddaughter.
Article and Photo Published With Permission
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