“Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, [and] he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. Oh that [men] would praise the LORD [for] his goodness, and [for] his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Ps 107:13-15 AV)
In light of the context, the words of the Psalmist hit deep. Life has many ups and downs. Sometimes, the tragedies or trials of life can bring us to our lowest. These events can sap us of all strength and optimism. Depression and discouragement came easy. These times of severe testing can steal all our joy. When we get this low, we can forget those things that can never be lost. This is the idea of the Psalmist’s words. He was in a dark place. He was in a very severe trial. He shares that this is a common condition in mankind. Sin entered by way of Adam and Eve. Sin continues by way of each human being born since then. We have ruined God’s perfect creation. The thing is, God did so much for us already. He saved us and has promised eternal life. Eternal life will be absent of all adversity. None will exist. No more consequences for sin. No more trials of faith. Nothing but bliss, peace, rest, and fellowship with the Father. He has done much. It is for this the Psalmist declares the children of men should praise the LORD!
The implication of the Psalmist is that Israel soon forgot what God had done for them. Because of verse 15, it is suggested Israel praise God for what He had done because they were not doing so. This desire is a deep one. The word ‘oh’ suggests a deep desire that is unfulfilled. As a result of being rescued and delivered, regardless of present circumstances, the Psalmist wishes Israel would continuously thank God for what He had done. How soon we forget all the benefits God has bestowed. Israel had a history of complaining. They did not live in the joy of deliverance for very long. God delivered them from bondage to Egypt only to see them discontent three days later over water. God miraculously provided water. They praised God but then a few weeks later, refused to trust Him and enter Canaan. God delivered them again. Then they complained that they didn’t have the best food from Egypt. God provided manna from heaven. They were happy. For a bit. Then they complained again. Again and again God delivers Israel, yet Israel soon forgets. They cannot stop and meditate on how good God is long enough to give Him praise.
Having a grateful heart that is quick and consistent in praising God is a treasure to possess. No matter what life brings to us, we have heaven to look forward to. The devil may attack. The world may hate us. The flesh may cause us to fall more times than we care to admit. But the LORD has been, and always will be, good. The Psalmist’s desire cannot become a reality without the will of the people. His plea is that they stop looking at the temporary setbacks and praise the LORD for His goodness. No, life is not perfect. Yes, there will be some difficult days. No, one cannot plan on every day going perfectly. Through it all, there is one constant. The goodness of God. Oh, that men would praise God for His goodness toward them! Perhaps if we count our blessings and praise the LORD for them, we will quickly realize we are far more blessed that we might feel.
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