Psalm 107:10-16 (Part Two) - Rebellious Law-breakers Praise the Lord

Continuing with a series of people who cried out to God during a crisis, from Psalm 107...

v.10 Some sat in darkness and deepest gloom, imprisoned in iron chains of misery. 
v.11 They rebelled against the words of God, scorning the counsel of the Most High. 
v.12 That is why he broke them with hard labor; they fell, and no one was there to help them. 
v.13 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 
v.14 He led them from the darkness and deepest gloom; he snapped their chains. 
v.15 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 
v.16 For he broke down their prison gates of bronze; he cut apart their bars of iron.
(New Living Translation)

Sometimes, due to rebellion against God, people do things that land them in jail or prison. There are examples in the Bible, of course. Samson is one case that comes to mind.

We've all known or at least heard of people who set off down a wrong path and they end up in trouble with the law. But there are other ways that people--trying to run life their own way, and ignoring God's designs--find themselves in "chains of misery." It might be an addiction. Or broken relationships. Maybe they lose their job. Or they find themselves in over their head with debt. In any case, "no one was there to help them."

Having reached a crisis point, they have a two word prayer: "Lord, help!" That's all it takes and God breaks apart the chains of misery.

"Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them." Amen.