Responding to God's Goodness: A Call to Praise
Summary
Psalm 107 reminds us to give thanks to the Lord, for He is good and His mercy endures forever. The redeemed—those whom God has delivered from the hand of the enemy—are called to respond, not with silence, but with praise and testimony. Throughout history, people have responded to God in many ways: some with belief, others with rejection, some with worship, and others with indifference. Yet, the psalmist insists that those who have experienced God’s deliverance must not keep quiet. There is a proper response for the redeemed, and that is to say so—to declare God’s goodness and to praise Him openly.
Life is full of moments that demand a response, whether it’s a simple question, a challenge, or a crisis. Spiritually, our response to God’s work in our lives is crucial. The stories of David and his mighty men, and even the example of blind Bartimaeus, show us that in times of distress, darkness, or even rebellion, the right response is to cry out to God. God is always ready to hear and deliver, no matter how far we have strayed or how deep our trouble. Even when we are afflicted because of our own choices, God’s mercy is available when we turn to Him.
Personal stories and memories remind us that praise is not just a Sunday ritual but a lifestyle. Whether in childhood play or in the midst of adult struggles, the act of praising God—especially when it’s hard—brings breakthrough and strength. The testimony of the saints, both past and present, is that God is faithful to deliver, heal, and restore. Sometimes all it takes is a word from God, a moment in His presence, or a simple act of worship to change everything.
The call is clear: let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Don’t wait for a special service or a visiting evangelist. God is present and ready to answer when we cry out. Our praise, our testimony, and our gratitude are the proper responses to His unending goodness. In every season—good or bad—let us be a people who respond with worship, thanksgiving, and bold declaration of what God has done.
Key Takeaways
- Praise Is the Natural Response of the Redeemed
When God delivers, heals, or provides, the only fitting response is open, heartfelt praise. This isn’t just a ritual, but a declaration that acknowledges God’s goodness and mercy. Our testimony and worship are not optional—they are the evidence that we have truly experienced redemption. Let your life be marked by a continual response of gratitude and praise. [02:13]
- God Delivers in Every Kind of Distress
Whether our trouble is self-inflicted, the result of rebellion, or simply the hardships of life, God’s mercy is always available. The psalmist recounts multiple groups—those lost, those in darkness, those afflicted by their own choices—and in every case, when they cried out, God delivered them. No situation is too desperate for God’s intervention; His deliverance is not limited by our failures. [20:10]
- Crying Out to God Is the Turning Point
The breakthrough often comes not when circumstances change, but when we finally cry out to God in desperation and faith. Like Bartimaeus, sometimes we must ignore the crowd and lift our voice, refusing to be silenced by fear or shame. God responds to the cry of the humble and desperate, and it is often in our lowest moments that His power is most clearly revealed. [22:10]
- A Word from God Brings Healing and Hope
Sometimes all we need is a single word from the Lord to bring healing, direction, or encouragement. The Word of God is living and active, and in the midst of chaos or affliction, it can break chains and restore hope. Make it a habit to seek God’s word in your trials; His promises are the anchor for our souls. [28:02]
- Praise Is Powerful in Every Season—Good or Bad
True worship is not dependent on circumstances. Praising God in the midst of pain, weariness, or uncertainty is a powerful act of faith that invites His presence and strength. The stories of saints who worshipped through trials remind us that praise is both a weapon and a witness, sustaining us and encouraging others. [34:58]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Reading Psalm 107: The Call to Give Thanks
[02:13] - The Response of the Redeemed
[03:19] - The Power of Testimony and Song
[06:16] - Everyday Responses and Spiritual Application
[10:31] - Responding to God’s Deliverance
[13:23] - Praising God in Good Times and Bad
[16:40] - David’s Mighty Men and Deliverance from Distress
[20:10] - God’s Mercy for the Rebellious
[22:10] - Crying Out: The Example of Bartimaeus
[28:02] - The Healing Power of God’s Word
[31:40] - Continual Praise and God’s Faithfulness
[34:58] - Testimonies of Praise in the Church
[40:24] - The Importance of Testimony and Expectation
[44:37] - Invitation to Respond and Pray
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Response of the Redeemed (Psalm 107)
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### Bible Reading
Psalm 107:1-2, 6, 13, 19-21 (ESV)
1 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble
6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.
20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
21 Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 107, what is the repeated response of people when they find themselves in trouble or distress?
2. What does the psalmist say is the proper response for those who have been redeemed by God?
3. In the sermon, what examples were given of people in the Bible or in life who responded to God’s deliverance with praise or testimony? ([10:31])
4. What does verse 20 say God sent to bring healing and deliverance?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the psalmist emphasize that the redeemed should “say so” and not remain silent about what God has done? ([02:13])
2. The sermon mentions several groups in Psalm 107—those lost, those in darkness, those afflicted by their own choices. What does this suggest about the scope of God’s mercy and deliverance? ([20:10])
3. The story of Bartimaeus was shared as an example of crying out to God. What does his response teach us about faith and desperation? ([22:10])
4. The sermon talks about praise as a lifestyle, not just a Sunday ritual. Why is continual praise important, even in difficult seasons? ([34:58])
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### Application Questions
1. The psalmist says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” When was the last time you openly shared a testimony of what God has done for you? What holds you back from sharing more often? ([02:13])
2. Think about a time when you were in distress—did you cry out to God, or did you try to handle it on your own? What was the result? How might things have been different if you had responded differently? ([20:10])
3. The sermon shared stories of people praising God in both good times and bad. Is there a current struggle or hardship where you find it hard to praise God? What would it look like to worship Him in the middle of that situation? ([13:23])
4. The pastor mentioned that sometimes all it takes is a word from God to bring healing or hope. How do you seek God’s word when you’re facing challenges? Is there a specific promise from Scripture that has encouraged you recently? ([28:02])
5. The example of Bartimaeus shows someone who refused to be silenced by the crowd. Are there “crowds” (people, fears, doubts) in your life that keep you from crying out to God or expressing your faith? How can you push past those barriers? ([22:10])
6. The sermon described praise as both a weapon and a witness. How can your praise and testimony encourage others in your family, church, or community? ([34:58])
7. The pastor said, “Don’t wait for a special service or a visiting evangelist. God is present and ready to answer when we cry out.” What is one area in your life where you need to stop waiting and start responding to God today? ([40:24])
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Let’s close by praying that we would be people who respond to God’s goodness with open praise, honest testimony, and a lifestyle of gratitude—no matter what season we’re in.
Devotional
Day 1: Give Thanks and Praise as the Response of the Redeemed
The redeemed are called to respond to God’s goodness with open praise and thanksgiving, not just in the good times but also in the midst of trouble. When God delivers, blesses, and sets His people free, the right response is to lift up a voice of gratitude and declare His wonderful works. This is not a passive acknowledgment but an active, vocal, and heartfelt declaration that God has been faithful, merciful, and mighty to save. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so—let your life and your lips testify to what He has done for you, no matter your circumstances. [02:13]
Psalm 107:1-2, 6-8 (ESV)
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble… Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!
Reflection: When was the last time you publicly or privately declared what God has done for you? Can you take a moment today to “say so” and give God thanks for a specific act of deliverance or blessing in your life?
Day 2: Cry Out to God in Distress—He Hears and Delivers
No matter how deep the trouble, darkness, or distress, God is always ready to hear the desperate cry of His people. Even those who have rebelled or turned away are not beyond His reach; when they cry out, He responds with deliverance, breaking chains and bringing them out of darkness into light. There is power in refusing to stay silent in your pain—God honors the honest, urgent cry for help, and He is faithful to answer and save. [20:10]
Psalm 107:10-14 (ESV)
Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in affliction and in irons, for they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High. So he bowed their hearts down with hard labor; they fell down, with none to help. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart.
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel bound or in distress? Will you take time today to cry out honestly to God, believing that He hears and is able to deliver you?
Day 3: God’s Word Brings Healing and Hope
In the midst of affliction, confusion, or chaos, a single word from God can bring healing, direction, and peace. The Word of God is living and active, and when received in faith, it has the power to restore what is broken and to bring clarity where there is uncertainty. Sometimes, all it takes is opening the Bible and letting God’s promises speak directly to your situation—His Word is enough to heal, deliver, and sustain you through every trial. [28:02]
Psalm 107:20 (ESV)
He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.
Reflection: When was the last time you turned to God’s Word in the middle of a struggle? Can you set aside time today to read Scripture and ask God to speak a healing word into your situation?
Day 4: Praise God in Every Season—Good Times and Bad
True praise is not reserved for moments of ease or blessing; it is a continual response, even in seasons of weariness, loss, or hardship. Praising God in the midst of trouble is an act of faith that invites His presence and strength into your life. When you choose to worship—clapping, singing, lifting your hands—even when you don’t feel like it, God always shows up to encourage and renew you. Praise is the proper response of the redeemed, and it transforms both your heart and your circumstances. [34:58]
Hebrews 13:15 (ESV)
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally praise God today, even if you’re feeling tired or discouraged? How might this act of praise shift your perspective or situation?
Day 5: Testify and Encourage Others with Your Story
Sharing testimonies of God’s faithfulness not only honors Him but also encourages and uplifts others who may be struggling. When you “say so” and recount how God has answered prayers, healed, or provided, you build faith in the community and remind others that God is still at work. Your story matters—don’t keep it to yourself. Let your mouth declare the goodness of the Lord, and let your testimony become a source of hope for someone else. [40:24]
Revelation 12:11 (ESV)
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear a testimony of God’s faithfulness? Can you reach out to someone today and share a specific story of how God has worked in your life?
Quotes
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