Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things. (Psalm 107: 4-9)

The psalm also describes those who sat in dark and gloom, those who were sick, and those who were in a storm at sea. In each case they cried out to God and were saved.

It each case the appropropriate response is to give thanks for God's wonderful works and steadfast love and offer public praise.

Here wonderful works is the Hebrew verb pala': to be marvelous, to be wonderful, to be extraordinary.

Steadfast love is chesed: consistent goodness, kindness,and faithfulness.

In giving thanks for these fundamental aspects of God we acknowledge our dependence on God. The Creator of the universe loves you and me. That is certainly cause for wonder.

We can choose to reject this love or merely ignore it. But if we accept it fully and truly we are healed, saved, rescued, fed, and liberated.

In a full relationship with God we can find and claim our whole self.

Thank you God.