Fostering Thankfulness: In Sickness. Psalm 107:17-22

Fostering Thankfulness: In Sickness

Psalm 107:17-22

 

A Theology of Suffering (v. 17-18)

• The psalmist turns his attention to those who suffer physical affliction or illness
  • Here connected to disobedience to God
• Scripture does NOT teach that all afflictions or illness is a direct result of personal sin
• Sometimes it is the result of living in a fallen world
• Sometimes it so that God’s purposes might be fulfilled (John 9:3; 11:4)
  • Either personally or on a bigger scale
  • Like in Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ (2 Cor. 12:7-10)
• Sometimes God doesn’t provide a clear reason
  • Like with Job (Rom. 11:33)

 

The Great Physician (v. 19-20)

• Regardless of the reason for the affliction or illness, our response should be the same
  • To call out to God
• He is able to heal us
  • Though our healing is not always physical
• And He promises to be with us through our suffering (Ps. 41:3)
  • He promises to never leave us nor forsake us (See Deut. 31:6, 8; Josh. 1:5;1Kgs. 8:57; 1 Chron. 28:20; Heb. 13:5)

 

The Praise of the Restored (v. 21-22)

• We are called to thank God for His work of restoration in us
  • Both physically and spiritually
• And share His work in us with other
• Understanding that often times of suffering can draw us near to Him
  • And though we might not understand the reasons
  • He is still working for our good! (Rom. 8:28)

 

So What?

• Can we thank God as we suffer?
  • Trusting Him to work things out for our good and His purpose

 

Meditation Verse: Psalm 107:20