Our call to worship is Psalm 107:38-43.
He blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish. Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks. The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths. Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.
This psalm speaks of the changing fortunes of God’s people as they vacillate between faith and doubt. It tells us the Lord helps those who cry out to Him, but those who rely on their own strength and skill will fail. God wants only good things for us but our choices have consequences.
When we chose to follow our own desires rather than the will of the Lord, He sent us from the garden into the world, for evil cannot stand in His presence. However, He never withdrew His love from us and continued to reach out to us. In His mercy, He sent His son to teach us the way of salvation.
It is our blessing to be able to bring our needs to Him that they might be fulfilled through His plan for us. God wants us to have good things and stands ready to help us when we call. When we humble ourselves before Him and repent, He will always welcome us back.
Gracious God, we are sorry for our wrongdoing and the chaos it brings to Your creation. Help us to be strong in the face of temptation and choose Your love and Your strength over our selfishness. Amen.