This blog is based on a message by Pastor Todd Cosenza.
Give thanks—then tell the story
Psalm 107 begins with thanksgiving: “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1). Right after that the psalm calls out a clear task for those who have been rescued: “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story.” (Psalm 107:2). If the Lord has set you free, you have something powerful to say. You don’t need to be a theologian—just share how God reached you.
The four kinds of people God reaches
Psalm 107 walks through four different kinds of people God rescues. Each one follows the same pattern: they get into trouble, they cry out, and God brings them out. Read these as portraits of real people you know—maybe even yourself.
The wanderer—those who feel they don’t belong
“Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle… They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.” (Psalm 107:4–5)
These are not always the obviously sinful people. They are the lost, the lonely, the people who don’t know where they fit. When they cry out, God “led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle” (Psalm 107:7). The church is meant to be a safe landing place where broken people sense God’s love through others—actual people saying, “You belong.”
The rebellious—those chained by their choices
“Some sat in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains… because they rebelled against God’s commands.” (Psalm 107:10–11)
Rebellion isn’t freedom; it’s chains in the dark. The Bible describes those who knew God but hardened their hearts and faced bitter labor and misery. The good news is this: when they call, God breaks their chains—”He brought them out of darkness and broke away their chains” (Psalm 107:13–14). Jesus will go through gates, doors, and walls to bring someone freedom—He will do whatever it takes.
The afflicted—those suffering from the consequences of sin
“Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities… Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble and he saved them.” (Psalm 107:17, 19)
Affliction—physical, emotional, or mental—was never God’s original plan. Sin opened the door for sickness and suffering. But Jesus closes that door. The psalm declares, “He sent his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave” (Psalm 107:20). God’s word is life and medicine. When it reaches someone, affliction loses its grip.
The proud—those who think they have life under control
“Some went out on the sea in ships… For he spoke and stirred up a tempest… They reeled and staggered like drunkards.” (Psalm 107:23–27)
These are the comfortable, the successful, the proud who feel self-sufficient. God can still humble and redirect them. When they cry out He calms the storm—”He stilled the storm to a whisper… and guided them to their desired haven” (Psalm 107:29–30). Pride is not beyond God’s reach; He lovingly brings the proud back into dependence on him.
One pattern, one hope
Notice the repeating phrase after each story: “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.” (see Psalm 107:6, 13, 19, 28). God is patient—he waits for people to reach the place of honest brokenness where they will call on him. He will wait to the very end if necessary. The thief on the cross is the loving example: minutes from death, he cried out and Jesus received him.
What you can do right now
- Pray and persist. Pray for the wanderer, the rebellious, the afflicted, the proud. Your prayers matter and the Lord is willing to wait as long as it takes.
- Tell your story. Let the redeemed tell their story (Psalm 107:2). Personal testimony often moves hearts more than theology.
- Be present. Be the earthly family that welcomes someone home—invite, listen, and show acceptance through actions.
- Stand on God’s word. Use Scripture as life and medicine—speak hope, healing, and truth over those you love.
- Trust God’s timing. Transformation often comes after a season of brokenness; be patient and keep believing.
Closing encouragement
No one is too hard for God. No case is too difficult. He is reaching people in every category—those who wander, those who rebel, those who suffer, and those who are proud. Keep praying, keep telling your story, and keep loving. When they cry out, he will bring them out of their distress.
Application questions
- Who in your life fits one of the four portraits (wanderer, rebellious, afflicted, proud)? Which one feels closest to your heart to pray for today?
- What is one short version of your story you can share with someone this week?
- How can your community become a clearer landing place for someone who feels they do not belong?
- Are you willing to pray and wait patiently for someone’s breakthrough, trusting God’s timing?
