Oceans in the Desert

By Kathi Pelton

One of the most powerful themes throughout the Word of God is that he is a God who rescues and saves!

We see this theme reoccurring with most of the heroes of our faith and throughout the lives of every believer.

I love Psalm 107 because it lays out many different scenarios of the plight of mankind and then displays how when they cry out to the Lord he hears and rescues them.

That psalm begins with these familiar words,

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭1‬ ‭

He rescues because HE IS GOOD ans because HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER!

Psalm 107 proceeds by giving examples of why mankind needs rescuing.

For example; some were lost and wandering in wastelands— searching for a fruitful place to call home. In their search they became parched and malnourished. Then they cried out to the Lord and he rescued them. He gave them a straight path to a city where they could thrive and call home. Verse 9 says,

“…for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭9‬ ‭

Another example in Psalm 107 are those who rebelled against God and despised his plans. They became prisoners of darkness but when they cried out to the Lord this is what he did,

“He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains.” Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭14‬ ‭

A third example is those who suffered greatly— to the point of near death— because of their own iniquities. When King David had an affair with Bathsheba; it was due to his iniquity. Though he had a heart after God, he needed deliverance from his own iniquity. But this is what the Lord says that he does when the person who is suffering affliction (due to their iniquity) cries out to him,

“He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭20‬ ‭

Lastly, Psalm 107 speaks of those who courageously set out to do great exploits— seeing the mighty works of God. They touched the heights of heaven but then were plunged to the depths. In the deep, dark depths they lost their courage and became afraid,

“They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away. They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end.” Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭

BUT— they cried out to the Lord and this is what he did,

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭107‬:‭29‬-‭30‬ ‭

I’ll let you read the rest of this amazing psalm that gives great hope!

But right now I especially feel to address those who have been in the depths after they set out in faith and courage. For those of you who have touched the heights of faith and of heaven but now find yourself in the depths of darkness and despair— and your courage has melted away.

I hear you crying out to the Lord. And I hear him saying to you,

“I will still your storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea that rages against you will be hushed. Then you will be glad as you experience the calm. I will guide you to your desired haven.”

A haven is a place of safety, refuge, or shelter— a place of peace, comfort and rest. It is like coming home!

He hears your cry and he will make a straight way to get you to his safe harbor. He will calm the storm around you and lead you to your “desired haven.” Do not give up! No matter the reason that you are experiencing the desperate need for his rescue— HE WILL RESCUE YOU!

2026 will be a year that MANY of you experience God coming to rescue you and to lead you to your desired haven.

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We want to bless you and your household in the year 2026 with the words from Numbers 6:24-26,

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”