Reading: Psalm 107:33-37

Psalm 107:33 and 35 – “He changes rivers into deserts… But he also turns deserts into pools of water.”

Psalm 107 began yesterday with praise for times of redemption, with a call to tell others about these times, and with a reminder of how God rescues us when we wander. Today, in verses 33-37, we are reminded that our actions (or inactions) also play a role in how we perceive God’s presence in our lives. The words of the psalmist are set within their general  understanding of how God “worked” at that time. To do or be good brought God’s blessings. To sin or do evil brought God’s wrath and punishment. This context is important as we seek application today.

Verses 33-35 represent the second scenario or understanding of God. When the people of God persisted in their sin, refusing to listen to the prophets that God sent their way, then they were sent into exile. “He changes rivers into deserts.” Lives were lost, cities lay in ruin, many were hauled away to live in foreign lands. Their faith became as dry as a desert. God felt far away. We experience these things. In the middle of a dark valley or time of wandering, our faith can begin to feel dry and then it feels like God is far away.

Then in verses 35-37, God is present. God restores. “But he also turns deserts into pools of water.” For Israel, the God who has been present all along “suddenly” acts. In reality, Israel’s time in exile slowly changed them. God was working all along. Slowly but surely, in small ways, the people returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt both lives and faith. In the same way, God becomes present to us in our dark valleys and dry seasons, working to bring us back to faith. Light and life return to our day to day walk. Suddenly it seems that God is there again.

But when we take time to reflect back on both scenarios, on felt absences and on real presence, we can see how God was there all along. With these reflections, our faith grows and we learn how to see God in the small ways, not just in the valley but all the time. Thanks be to God for the constant presence and the faithful love.

Prayer: Lord God, we are grateful for your constant presence in our lives. In the times when our sin separates us from you, nudge us towards conviction, confession, and repentance. When life creates a sense of separation, whisper into our hearts and ears, assuring us that you are there in the desert or valley. Thank you. Amen.