“Oh, that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness" (Psalm 107:8,9).

Perhaps it would not be far wrong to characterize this generation as one desperately, even frantically, seeking satisfaction. This takes many different forms, but the common denominator might be that people are restless, dissatisfied, always wanting more of something. Thus, the blessed Christian doctrine that He satisfies our deepest longings is needed perhaps now more than ever. The Psalms provide some of the richest promises of satisfaction.

“Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. . . . He will fulfill the desire of them that fear Him: He also will hear their cry, and will save them” (Psalm 145:16,19)

“They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasure” (Psalm 36:8).

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: . . . Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:2,5).

Our text is couched in a Psalm describing several types of endangered and dissatisfied people, all of whom are rescued and comforted by the Lord. Note that satisfaction from the Lord should result in our praises to Him on two counts: first, for who He is (“His goodness”), and second for what He does for us (“His wonderful works”). Indeed, “give thanks unto the LORD” (v.1), and “let the redeemed of the LORD say so” (v.2).

There is, however, a prerequisite for satisfaction: “Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the LORD” (v.43). JDM