In ancient Israel, the kinsman-redeemer was the near-relative who came to your rescue when you were in need. If a member of your family fell into debt and ended up a slave, this relative would pay the price to win back his freedom. If a woman’s husband died, leaving her childless, he would take her as his wife, look after her, and give her children.

God pledged himself to be Israel’s redeemer (see Isaiah 41:14). Psalm 107 is the song of the redeemed who tell the story of how God rescued them (v. 2). This beautifully constructed song describes the plight, the cry for help, and the rescue of God’s people.

We’re given four pictures of the troubles that happen to God’s people. The first and the last speak of physical troubles. “Some wandered in desert wastelands” (v. 4): this describes physical hunger and thirst. Then “some went out on the sea in ships” (v. 23): here the psalmist refers to physical traumas like storms. The second and third pictures speak of spiritual struggles that come because of our sin: “Some sat in darkness (v. 10) and “some became fools through their rebellious ways” (v. 17).

But in the midst of their troubles, God’s suffering people “cried out to the Lord” (vv. 6, 13, 19, 28). In each case He “delivered them from their distress” (v. 6). And the response of the redeemed people is to be the same each time: “Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love” (vv. 8, 15, 21, 31).

There is a universal aspect to this psalm. The four pictures represent all the troubles that can happen to us. This is the song of all God’s people of every place and every age. And the testimony of every believer is the wonderful, never-ending, unfailing love of God. The final section of Psalm 107 (vv. 33–43) has a similar theme to Jesus’ admonition to us not to worry (Matthew 6:25-34). It reminds us how the Lord gives and, sometimes, takes away, but that ultimately, those who trust and obey are blessed by the Lord (Psalm 107:41–42).

What does this psalm teach us? First, that the God who redeems us controls every part of the world and our lives. He isn’t a spectator in the stands; He’s the owner of the football club and manager of the team. Second, there is a moral order in the world. God cares for those who trust Him, but He will not turn a blind eye to sin. Finally, we should reflect on these truths and be wise—above all, “ponder the loving deeds of the Lord” (v. 43). Troubles can unsettle our faith, but we know the love of God, particularly in that “Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). This was our redeeming God’s ultimate and greatest act of rescue.