Paul wrote in Romans, “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (15:4).
If we agree with this verse, then we believe that the content found in Nehemiah and Psalms is just as relevant for us today as it was for the original audience. As we actively respond to these Scriptures, we pray that the Holy Spirit will give us insight on how to apply these passages to our lives. Our desire is that he continues to cultivate our love for God and a longing to know his Word.
The distressing news that Nehemiah heard concerning Jerusalem caused him to weep and mourn for days. It also prompted him to fast and pray to the Lord, interceding for his fellow citizens and his own family and confessing their collective sins.
In Psalm 107, the psalmist instructs the people of God to give thanks to the one who has redeemed them. The specific reasons to give thanks to the Lord in verses 8 and 9 include his unfailing love, his wonderful deeds, and his filling up the thirsty and hungry soul with goodness.
I love the rest of the verses too! If we disobey GOD is amazing how quickly HE responds to us. How quickly HE forgives if we repent
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans of the Most High. So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,”
Psalms 107:8-15 NIV
I want to be a hungry and longing soul like mentioned in Psalm 107:8-9. I can apply this to my life by praying and asking God to continue to show me ways I can seek him and I can remember that with my longing and hunger for God I will be satisfied and filled with good things.
Through prayer and worship. Taking the time each day to thank God. Spending time in the Word and in worship each day so that my soul will be fed and quenched is also important. Worship is not only in singing, it can also be done through reading the scriptures out loud in thanksgiving. Staying connected to God is the goal and is how I can apply these verses to my life.
I need to spend more time with God -in His word, growing in understanding and obedience, application. I also need to be quiet, mediate on His word and listen to God
We need to thank the Lord for His love, for everything in general. We need to thank Him for filling our hungry soul and he satisfies way beyond what we could ever ask or think. Thank you Jesus!
I am currently in a season of difficulty with a family member. The passage in Psalm reminds me that God has been so consistent in blessing me and my family. He is always faithful and has our best interests at heart. I need to continue to call out to Him on my loved one’s behalf like Nehemiah (1:5-6) and ask for His Hand over this family member. GOD HAS NEVER FAILED ME.
Maybe to dwell more intentionally on the goodness of God in the lives of His children…to use this as a starting point for celebrating God’s faithfulness to each of us
It reminds me to start every conversation with the Lord by giving thanks. Throughout the day remembering to give thanks for all He has done and given me.
God wants to fill us with good and life giving things but we want the junk food of life – entertainment, distractions, and bad news. These things weigh us down and create chaos. They leave us empty. God wants to take our burdens and leave us filled and at peace. The things we fill up on leave us wanting for more while the things He fills us with satisfy.
Be hungry and thirsty for God and his word.