Stories of the Shepherd

39 When they are diminished and brought low
    through oppression, evil, and sorrow,
40 he pours contempt on princes
    and makes them wander in trackless wastes;
41 but he raises up the needy out of affliction
    and makes their families like flocks.
42 The upright see it and are glad,
    and all wickedness shuts its mouth.

43 Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things;    let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord.

(Psalm 107)

In the final paragraph and epilogue of this Psalm, Asaph talks of those who had experienced persecution, abuse and other hard times.  It sounds in a sense like the conclusion of Hebrews 11 and the Heroes of the Faith. They had (and have) stories to tell about how they had been mistreated because of intentional oppression by those with power.  God has a way of dealing with that. He raises them up, and gathers them together as the Good Shepherd. He protects and provides for them. He makes the wicked shut up.  Notice the conclusion: we need to dwell on the good stories of God: all the things He has done: freeing, forgiving, saving, satisfying, providing for and protecting His People. It would be wise for us to pause, consider, and tell these stories to the other sheep for them to consider too.