Psalm 107 is a wonderful catalogue of the loving actions of a good and gracious God. From rescuing people in the desert, to breaking them out of captivity. From helping those who are suffering to providing for those in need.
One section of the psalm tells of those caught in a tempest whilst at sea.
27They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
they were at their wits’ end.
28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
and he brought them out of their distress.
29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
the waves of the sea were hushed.
30 They were glad when it grew calm,
and he guided them to their desired haven.
The fierce and mighty storm, terrifying to those who find themselves in the middle of it, is stilled by a word.
Fast forward many generations, and the psalm plays out for the disciples in Galilee. A furious squall comes up and waves break over the sides of the boat. The experienced fishermen are afraid and wake the sleeping Jesus in their boat - crying out for help.
39He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. (Mark 4)
The disciples found themselves even more terrified of Jesus in that moment than the storm. No doubt Psalm 107 would be in the background as they try and figure out who this is that even the wind and waves obey him.
Our world finds itself in a new tempest of war. Daily we read and hear of airstrikes across the Middle East. Some of us may well know of people who are working or living in affected areas. All of us might ask the question - 'where does it end?'
We are only two months in to 2026 and yet we seem to be leaping from one moment of geopolitical turmoil to another - all with deeply concerning implications. And it as hard not to feel that the world is becoming less and less safe.
What can we do?
The Psalmist declares time and again in Psalm 107, "they cried out to the Lord in their trouble...". In each and every scenario, often when they had run out of their own resources and didn't know what else to do, they prayed. They remembered God. They brought their crisis to Him. They asked for help.
When faced with the unfolding devastation of another war and the increasing volatility of our world, we can pray.
The storms currently raging (not just in the Middle East) are deeply disturbing and perhaps we don't really know where to begin with praying. I have found this guide from 24-7 Prayer helpful over the years and share it with you in the hope that you may find it helpful too, even if only as a starting point.
"A Quick introduction to Interceding for a Large-Scale Crisis
It can be helpful to focus our emergency intercessions at times of large-scale crisis on three particular groups:
1. People afflicted: We ask God to comfort those who suddenly find their lives torn apart by grief, loss, fear and trauma.
2. Pastors and Priests: We ask God to give courage to church leaders seeking to bring Christ’s presence and hope in the midst of trauma and profound questions of pain.
3. Peacemakers, politicians and police: We ask God to give clarity and wisdom to government agencies and NGOs, blessing and supporting their efforts to bring justice, reconciliation and aid."
One final thought, Psalm 107 has this line towards the beginning:
"Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story..."
When we do see answers to pray, we are encouraged to share those stories with others as a way of encouraging them and building up faith. What story can you tell today?
Rev Stella