Scripture Focus: Psalm 107:1-3

“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.” (Psalm 107:1-3 ESV)

Many Christians love the phrase “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” But how often do we reflect on the next part? “Whom he has gathered.”

Not only do verses 2-3 address those ‘whom he has redeemed,’ it also addresses, ‘whom he has…gathered.’

This psalm reminds us that redemption isn’t just about what we are saved from, but what we are saved into—a community of God’s people. Let’s explore how redemption and gathering are intertwined in God’s plan.

From Isolation to Community

🔍 Read: Psalm 107:4-8

“Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in… Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them… till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man!” (Psalm 107:4-8 ESV)

God’s redemption doesn’t leave us wandering—He gathers us into a city, a place of belonging.

"The redeemed are those who wandered through life finding no way to a city. What is a city? It is a place where people dwell together. It is the opposite of lonely and isolated."

🔹 The Problem: Before redemption, we were wandering—spiritually lost and disconnected.

🔹 The Solution: God gathers us into a city—a place of belonging and community.

🔹 The Response: Thankfulness!

Ask Yourself:

• Have you ever felt spiritually lost or alone?
• How has God led you into Christian community?

✅ Action Step: This week, take time to thank God for your church. Reach out to someone who might feel disconnected and encourage them.

Life in the City of God

🔍 Read: Psalm 107:35-36 & Ephesians 2:22

“He turns a desert into pools of water, a parched land into springs of water. And there he lets the hungry dwell, and they establish a city to live in.” (Psalm 107:35-36 ESV)

“In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

(Ephesians 2:22 ESV)

Redemption doesn’t just save individuals—it forms a people.

When God redeems us in the desert, He does so by providing springs of water there. Water gives life, but water also gathers others for that same life. Just like water draws life to it, God gathers His people around the wellsprings of His grace—local churches where we are nourished and built together. God establishes us in a city—the community of believers. The local church is a place of life, where we are nourished and built together.

• Do you see your church as a gift from God?
• Are you helping build community, or just attending?

✅ Action Step: This week, commit to being more involved in your church. Maybe it’s joining a small group, serving, or simply being present with a heart of gratitude.

Worshiping Together

🔍 Read: Psalm 107:32

“Let them extol him in the congregation of the people, and praise him in the assembly of the elders.”

We are called to gather and give thanks—not just individually, but together. The church isn’t just a place we attend; it’s a family we belong to. "What city? The city of God, the church of the Lord Jesus that gathers around all the springs He has caused to spring up in this world of wilderness called local churches.

• How can you express gratitude for your spiritual community?
• Are you fully engaged in worship and fellowship, or just going through the motions?

✅ Action Step: Next Sunday, go to church with a heart of gratitude. Be intentional in encouraging someone and praising God for bringing you into His family.

Final Thought: “I’m Gathered, I’m Gathered, Praise the Lord!”

We often celebrate that we are redeemed, but let’s also rejoice that we are gathered! The local church is not an optional extra—it’s a key part of our redemption story. We are saved into a family, a community, a city of God’s people.

2 Corinthians 13:5 challenges us:

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”

Challenge:

This week, reflect on how God has gathered you. Take time to thank Him and be more intentional about engaging in your local church. Let’s not just say, “I’m redeemed.” Let’s also say, “I’m gathered, I’m gathered, Praise the Lord!”

[This article was adapted from Jerry Cisar’s teachings.]