The third group of people that Psalm 107 describes are those who have lost their appetite, their desire for God's Word; they have become "...fools through their sinful ways...they loathed any kind of food..." When the Old Testament uses the word fool it is describing an unbeliever, one who does not believe in God (Psalm 14:1), much less that He speaks to us. This passage in Psalm 107:17-22 tells us that there can be times in the life of a believer when we drift away from God and live a sinful lifestyle, as if there were no God. Their life has no evidence of the influence and strength of God's Word. In verse 18 it says that they almost died. Maybe you have been there.
But in verse 19 the light comes on, "...Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble and he delivered them from their distress." This reminds me of the story Jesus told about the prodical son, who came to himself and resolved to return to his father. God delivered them by sending out His word which healed them and delivered them from destruction. This group is encouraged to offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and to tell of his deeds in songs of joy.
God's Word feeds us by giving us the strength to walk in His ways. One of the things our groups notice on mission trips to Uganda is the way the Ugandans pray before they eat; "Lord, give us strength from the food..." They eat for strength. We eat for taste. God's Word is sometimes sweet, but it can also be bland, hot, and even bitter; but it will give us strength if we will receive it by faith. And faith grows as we eat God's word (Romans 10:17).
Be sure that you keep your appetite for God's Word. If you feel you have lost it, cry out to Him for it.
Next week; the fourth group; the fearful.
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