INTRODUCTION: This psalm describes the ups and downs of life. Some of our downs are judgment for sin, but some are simply part of life in a fallen world. However, the trials of life tend to make us look up to the Lord for help. In this psalm, the Lord consistently comes to the aid of those who cry unto Him. We are reminded over and over that this should cause us to praise Him for His goodness and for His wonderful works.

The word lovingkindness in the singular or plural form is found 30 times in scripture. The word is not easily defined or understood. Psalm 107 describes the troubles of man and the interventions of God. Two verses are repeated four times each serving as dividers for the chapter. The verses are “Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses,” and “Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” This psalm may challenge our idea of lovingkindness, but it will show us great truths concerning our God.

1. DEMONSTRATED IN HIS GUIDANCE (Psalm 107:1-9 [1] O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. [2] Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; [3] And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. [4] They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. [5] Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. [6] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. [7] And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. [8] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [9] For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
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1. The Blessings (Psalm 107:1-3 [1] O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. [2] Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; [3] And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
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1. Enduring mercy (Psalm 107:1O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
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2. Redemption from the hand of the enemy (Psalm 107:2Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
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3. Sanctification – gathered from out of the lands (Psalm 107:3And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
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2. The Trials (Psalm 107:4-5 [4] They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. [5] Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
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1. The works of men (Psalm 107:4They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
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1. They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way.
2. They found no city to dwell in.
2. The results of man’s works (Psalm 107:5Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
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1. Hungry and thirsty
2. Their soul fainted in them.
3. The Deliverance (Psalm 107:6-7 [6] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. [7] And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
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1. The cry of the people (Psalm 107:6Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
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2. The response of the Lord (Psalm 107:6-7 [6] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. [7] And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
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1. He delivered them out of their distresses (Psalm 107:6Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
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2. He led them forth by the right way (Psalm 107:7And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation.
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4. The Plea (Psalm 107:8-9 [8] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [9] For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
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1. Praise for who God is (Psalm 107:8Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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2. Praise for what God does (Psalm 107:8-9 [8] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [9] For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
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1. He satisfieth the longing soul (Psalm 107:9For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
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2. He filleth the hungry soul with goodness (Psalm 107:9For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
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2. DEMONSTRATED IN HIS DELIVERANCE (Psalm 107:10-16 [10] Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; [11] Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: [12] Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help. [13] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. [14] He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder. [15] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [16] For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
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1. The Trials (Psalm 107:10-12 [10] Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; [11] Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High: [12] Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
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1. The works of men (Psalm 107:10-11 [10] Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; [11] Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
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1. They sit in darkness and in the shadow of death (Psalm 107:10Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
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2. They are bound in affliction and iron (Psalm 107:10Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron;
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3. Because they rebelled against the words of God (Psalm 107:11Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
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4. They contemned the counsel of the most High (Psalm 107:11Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
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2. The results of man’s works (Psalm 107:12Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
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1. The Lord brought down their heart with labour.
2. They fell down.
3. There was none to help.
2. The Deliverance (Psalm 107:13-14 [13] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. [14] He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
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1. The cry of the people (Psalm 107:13Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
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2. The response of the Lord (Psalm 107:13-14 [13] Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. [14] He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
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1. He saved them out of their distresses (Psalm 107:13Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
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2. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death (Psalm 107:14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
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3. He brake their bands in sunder (Psalm 107:14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
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3. The Plea (Psalm 107:15-16 [15] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [16] For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
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1. Praise for who God is (Psalm 107:15Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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2. Praise for what God does (Psalm 107:15-16 [15] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [16] For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
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1. He hath broken the gates of brass (Psalm 107:16For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
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2. He hath cut the bars of iron in sunder (Psalm 107:16For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
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3. DEMONSTRATED IN HIS CORRECTION (Psalm 107:17-22 [17] Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. [18] Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death. [19] Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. [20] He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. [21] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [22] And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
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1. The Trials (Psalm 107:17-18 [17] Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. [18] Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
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1. The works of men (Psalm 107:17Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
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1. They transgressed.
2. They committed iniquity.
2. The results of man’s works (Psalm 107:17-18 [17] Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted. [18] Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
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1. The fools are afflicted (Psalm 107:17Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
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2. Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat (Psalm 107:18Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
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3. They draw near unto the gates of death (Psalm 107:18Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
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2. The Deliverance (Psalm 107:19-20 [19] Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. [20] He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
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1. The cry of the people (Psalm 107:19Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
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2. The response of the Lord (Psalm 107:19-20 [19] Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. [20] He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
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1. He saveth them out of their distresses (Psalm 107:19Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses.
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2. He sent His word, and healed them (Psalm 107:20He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
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3. He delivered them from their destructions (Psalm 107:20He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
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3. The Plea (Psalm 107:21-22 [21] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [22] And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
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1. Praise for who God is (Psalm 107:21Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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2. Praise for what God does (Psalm 107:21-22 [21] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [22] And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
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1. Let the people sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving (Psalm 107:22And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
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2. Let the people declare His works with rejoicing (Psalm 107:22And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.
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4. DEMONSTRATED IN HIS PROTECTION (Psalm 107:23-32 [23] They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; [24] These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. [25] For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. [26] They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. [27] They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end. [28] Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. [29] He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. [30] Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. [31] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [32] Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
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1. The Trials (Psalm 107:23-27 [23] They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; [24] These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. [25] For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. [26] They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. [27] They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
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1. The works of men (Psalm 107:23They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
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1. They go down to the sea in ships.
2. They do business in great waters.
2. The results of man’s works (Psalm 107:24-27 [24] These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. [25] For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. [26] They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. [27] They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
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1. They see the Lord’s wonders in the deep (Psalm 107:24These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
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2. The Lord commandeth and raiseth the stormy wind, lifting up the waves thereof (Psalm 107:25For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
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3. Waves mount up to heaven and go again to the depths (Psalm 107:26They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
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4. The soul of the people is melted because of trouble (Psalm 107:26They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
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5. The people are at their wit’s end (Psalm 107:27They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
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2. The Deliverance (Psalm 107:28-30 [28] Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. [29] He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. [30] Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
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1. The cry of the people (Psalm 107:28Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
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2. The response of the Lord (Psalm 107:28-30 [28] Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. [29] He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. [30] Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
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1. He bringeth them out of their distresses (Psalm 107:28Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
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2. He maketh the storm a calm (Psalm 107:29He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
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3. He bringeth them unto their desired haven (Psalm 107:30Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
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3. The Plea (Psalm 107:31-32 [31] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [32] Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
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1. Praise for who God is (Psalm 107:31Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
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2. Praise for what God does (Psalm 107:31-32 [31] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! [32] Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
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1. Let them exalt Him in the congregation of the people (Psalm 107:32Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
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2. Let them praise Him in the assembly of the elders (Psalm 107:32Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.
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5. DEMONSTRATED IN HIS JUDGMENT (Psalm 107:33-42 [33] He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground; [34] A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. [35] He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. [36] And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; [37] And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. [38] He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease. [39] Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. [40] He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. [41] Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock. [42] The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
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1. The Trials and Blessings (Psalm 107:33-39 [33] He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground; [34] A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. [35] He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. [36] And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; [37] And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. [38] He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease. [39] Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
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1. The trials of the wicked (Psalm 107:33-34 [33] He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground; [34] A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
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1. Rivers are turned into a wilderness (Psalm 107:33He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
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2. Watersprings are turned into dry ground (Psalm 107:33He turneth rivers into a wilderness, and the watersprings into dry ground;
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3. A fruitful land is turned into barrenness (Psalm 107:34A fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein.
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2. The trials of the poor (Psalm 107:35-39 [35] He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. [36] And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; [37] And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. [38] He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease. [39] Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
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1. Turning trials into blessings (Psalm 107:35-38 [35] He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings. [36] And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; [37] And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. [38] He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
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1. Wilderness is turned into standing water (Psalm 107:35He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
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2. Dry ground is turned into watersprings (Psalm 107:35He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
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3. There He maketh the hungry to dwell (Psalm 107:36-38 [36] And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation; [37] And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. [38] He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
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1. That they may prepare a city for habitation (Psalm 107:36And there he maketh the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation;
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2. That they may sow fields, and plant vineyards (Psalm 107:37And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase.
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3. That they may multiply greatly (Psalm 107:38He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease.
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2. The departure of blessings and return of trials (Psalm 107:39Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
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1. They are minished.
2. They are brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow.
2. The Deliverance (Psalm 107:40-41 [40] He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. [41] Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
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1. Deliverance to judgment (Psalm 107:40He poureth contempt upon princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way.
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1. He poureth contempt upon princes.
2. He causeth them to wander in the wilderness.
2. Deliverance from judgment (Psalm 107:41Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock.
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1. He setteth the poor on high from affliction.
2. He maketh him families like a flock.
3. The Plea (Psalm 107:42The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.
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1. The rejoicing of the righteous
2. The silence of the wicked
6. DEMONSTRATED IN HIS LIGHT (Psalm 107:43Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD.
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1. The Call for Wisdom
2. The Understanding of Lovingkindness

CONCLUSION: The lovingkindness of the Lord is not what we would expect it to be. It is God’s working in the events of life to bring us to dependence upon and fellowship with Him. It is His working to send you into a trial, so you might call upon Him, so He can deliver you and cause you to praise Him for doing so.