1O give thanks unto the LORD , for he is good : for his mercy endureth for ever . 2Let the redeemed of the LORD say so , whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy ; 3And gathered them out of the lands , from the east , and from the west , from the north , and from the south . 4They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way ; they found no city to dwell in. 5Hungry and thirsty , their soul fainted in them. 6Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble , and he delivered them out of their distresses . 7And he led them forth by the right way , that they might go to a city of habitation . 8Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness , and for his wonderful works to the children of men ! 9For he satisfieth the longing soul , and filleth the hungry soul with goodness .
The Transformative Power of God
10Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death , being bound in affliction and iron ; 11Because they rebelled against the words of God , and contemned the counsel of the most High : 12Therefore he brought down their heart with labour ; they fell down , and there was none to help . 13Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble , and he saved them out of their distresses . 14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death , and brake their bands in sunder . 15Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness , and for his wonderful works to the children of men ! 16For he hath broken the gates of brass , and cut the bars of iron in sunder .
God's Sovereignty Over Nature
17Fools because of their transgression , and because of their iniquities , are afflicted . 18Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat ; and they draw near unto the gates of death . 19Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble , and he saveth them out of their distresses . 20He sent his word , and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions . 21Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness , and for his wonderful works to the children of men ! 22And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving , and declare his works with rejoicing . 23They that go down to the sea in ships , that do business in great waters ; 24These see the works of the LORD , and his wonders in the deep . 25For he commandeth , and raiseth the stormy wind , which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26They mount up to the heaven , they go down again to the depths : their soul is melted because of trouble . 27They reel to and fro , and stagger like a drunken man , and are at their wits’ end . 28Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble , and he bringeth them out of their distresses . 29He maketh the storm a calm , so that the waves thereof are still . 30Then are they glad because they be quiet ; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven . 31Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness , and for his wonderful works to the children of men ! 32Let them exalt him also in the congregation of the people , and praise him in the assembly of the elders .
The Call to Reflect on God's Works
33He turneth rivers into a wilderness , and the watersprings into dry ground ; 34A fruitful land into barrenness , for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. 35He turneth the wilderness into a standing water , and dry ground into watersprings . 36And there he maketh the hungry to dwell , that they may prepare a city for habitation ; 37And sow the fields , and plant vineyards , which may yield fruits of increase . 38He blesseth them also, so that they are multiplied greatly ; and suffereth not their cattle to decrease . 39Again, they are minished and brought low through oppression , affliction , and sorrow . 40He poureth contempt upon princes , and causeth them to wander in the wilderness , where there is no way . 41Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction , and maketh him families like a flock . 42The righteous shall see it , and rejoice : and all iniquity shall stop her mouth . 43Whoso is wise , and will observe these things , even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD .