I was reading Psalm 107 this morning.  As I began my word-study in verse one, I began to see some really cool truths.  

“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,
For His mercy is everlasting.”
~~Psalm 107:1~~

“Give thanks” is imperative (it’s a command, not a suggestion), and it means, literally, to use (i.e. hold out) the hand; physically, to throw a stone or arrow at.  Think about that!  Throwing stones and arrows is intentional, and it is also purposeful (you have to have a target you are aiming at).  

Make God my target and shoot arrows of thanks in His direction.  

This brings FOCUS to mind.  My nephew often comes to our property to hunt.  He sits quietly and observes.  This brings to mind “be still and know that I am God”.  He looks intently, turning his gaze to and fro, looking for any signs of deer.   Once he spots a deer, he focuses his gaze on it.  Just like we must “turn my eyes upon Jesus”.  He then aims his crossbow at the deer and takes his shot.  The arrow hits its mark.  His focus comes to fruition.   Just like my nephew had to be intentional in order to take down a deer to feed his family, so do we have to be intentional in seeing the good things God is doing (and has done) and then be purposeful in shooting ”arrows” of praise and worship to Him.  But shooting arrows of praise personally isn’t where the Psalmist left things.  

“Let the redeemed of the LORD shall say so,
Those whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.”
~~Psalm 107:2~~

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so”.  “Redeemed” is (ga’al) and means to redeem (according to the Oriental law of kinship); i.e. to be the next of kin and buy back a relative’s property and marry his widow.  While I know that in this context it was speaking of God redeeming Israel from exile, I also see the principle that those related to God should not be quiet about it.  I think about the plight of Ruth – in a foreign land, a widow without provision or protection – and then Boaz redeemed her and gave her hope and love.  I’m sure she didn’t hesitate, when out and about, to share her connection to Boaz and his kindness.  

“The upright see it and are glad;
But all injustice shuts its mouth.
Who is wise? He is to pay attention to these things,
And consider the mercy of the LORD”
~~Psalm 107:42-43~~

I see two CHOICES, and their OUTCOMES in these verses.  

CHOICE #1 – UPRIGHTNESS (yasar).  Upright people’s lives are marked by or show reverence for God; they are devoted to worshiping Him. (Ryan was devoted to hunting for deer.  He came often, and though it took time, through intentionality and purposefulness, He got one).  

• Outcome – People who choose to live uprightly SEE (ra’a) – they consider and discern; 
• Outcome – these people also were GLAD (samah) – to brighten up; be gleesome (DIC) exultant, high-spirited joy.  

CHOICE #2 – UNRIGHTEOUSNESS (‘evel).  Unrighteous people are morally evil; perverse; injustice of speech.  What comes to mind is “give God His due”.  

God deserves praise, so “injustice of speech”
is not just the idea of  “dissing God”,
but it also is being silent when you should be
speaking up in grateful praise and worship. 
Which segues into the outcome.

• Outcome – these people shut their mouths.  That whole concept leads right back to where we started – “Let the redeemed of the Lord SAY SO.”  

The Psalmist wrapped up this chapter by asking the question – “Who is wise?”  Wise (hakam) means wise, intelligent, skillful, prudent.  The dictionary definition of “prudent” is having or showing good judgment; careful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences. 

As we explore verse 43, I discovered two earmarks of the wise.  Check it out!

One earmark of the wise is that they GIVE HEED (samar) – to hedge about as with thorns; guard; protect and attend to; to watch, observe.  To “guard, protect, and attend to” brings to mind the parable of the soils in Matthew.  

PAUSE TO PONDER
Let’s do some self-examination.

• Do I guard, protect and attend to the soil of my heart?  
• Is the soil soft and ready to accept seeds of truth?  
• Do I allow the Spirit of God to water the seeds so that they grow and produce fruit?  
• Do I attend to the soil by pulling the weeds of the flesh from my heart and mind?  

The earmark of “giving heed” is inward focused.  It looks out for your own heart. 

Another earmark of the wise is that they “CONSIDER” (bin) – to separate mentally; to distinguish; to understand and discern; to attend to and consider diligently; to show yourself attentive.  

PAUSE TO PONDER.  
What does it look like to “show myself attentive”?  

According to Webster, “attentive”people are mindful; observant; and heedful of the comfort of others.  “Heedful of the comfort of others” brings an additional dynamic to “consider”.  

This brings to mind the truth that my words and actions are to be for the building up of my brothers and sisters in Christ – it’s outward focused.  

What I am being taught this morning is that just like negativism and ingratitude begins in the individual’s heart and yet spreads to others, so does gratitude to God.  My thoughts and feelings influence me, and then I in turn influence others.  This is sobering…