Tell of His Wondrous Deeds in Psalm 105

The psalmist erupts in unbridled praise. He gratefully calls upon God in song. He makes known the deeds of the Lord by the retelling of his wondrous works.

There’s a lesson here for all of us—especially for someone facing loss.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!” Psalm 105:1-2

The psalmist gives glory to the name of the Lord and calls on all who seek God to rejoice with him. He entreats people to seek the Lord’s strength and his presence—and he reminds them to remember the works, miracles, and judgments of God. His deeds are wondrous!

“He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations…” Psalm 105:7-8

The Lord is eternally faithful to his covenant people; he confirms his promise to each generation. His people were insignificant in number, and yet, he protected this small nomadic nation from harm. We need to rehearse and retell the stories to remind ourselves of his covenant faithfulness.

“There are moments when we get lost in the middle of God’s story. We lose our minds, we lose our sense of direction, and we lose our remembrance of him.” Paul David Tripp, New Morning Mercies

In times of loss, it’s imperative to retell, or repeat, God’s story to ourselves and to others.

God’s wondrous deeds are seen when he sent Joseph ahead to prepare for an impending famine. A man was made a slave to save a people. Fetters for his feet and a collar for his neck were a prelude to his prediction coming to pass. The slave, Joseph, was made a ruler in the house of the king of Egypt. Israel found sustenance at the hand of the man sold into slavery. God’s people became fruitful and powerful, and other nations grew in their hatred.

God’s wondrous deeds are seen when he sent Moses to perform miracles in the land of Ham. Darkness. Water turned to blood. Frogs. Flies. Gnats. Hail. Lightning. Locusts. Firstborn. Among other plagues—all stories of painful loss.

“Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled. Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it.” Psalm 105:37-38

This provision of wondrous deeds delivers biblical humor at its best—Egypt preferred an enslaved and subdued Israel. Dominated. Controlled. However, now Egypt was glad to see Israel depart. Good riddance. Dread had fallen upon Egypt.

Israel emerged with silver and gold. Blessed. Loved. Provision. Wondrous deeds.

So, Israel sojourned—a wondrous deed to make known. A cloud for covering. A fire to give light. Quail upon request. Bread in abundance. Faithful provision. A rock opens to give water. In 1745, William Williams wrote a hymn, “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah.” This phrase from the first verse comes to mind: “Bread of heaven, bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more.” Wondrous deeds, indeed.

Even in painful loss.

Jehovah-Jireh, once again, makes himself known. Wondrous deeds.

“For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant.” Psalm 105:42

His people sojourn joyously under the protection of his holy promise. The chosen people of God sing—they erupt in praise. He gave them lands and possessions. He desired a people who would respond to his wondrous deeds and keep his statutes and his laws. He is worthy of their praise!

“Praise the Lord!” Psalm 105:45