The writer of Psalm 107 describes the experience of those who go to sea in verses 23-24:

Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business on great waters;

They have seen the works of the LORD, and His wonders in the deep.  

The Psalmist then describes the works they had seen – it was not the nice calm and peaceful picture you might see on a postcard from Hawaii, it was more like Jim Cantore trying to survive a hurricane on Storm Stories on the Weather Channel.

If you have ever been in a storm at see you know what the Psalmist was describing.  I was in the North Atlantic one January on a frigate and we were caught in a gale.  As I was standing on the bridge the waves were crashing over the bridge and we were taking 30+ degree rolls.  It was too rough to serve food and I had to tie myself into my rack at night.  Our main mast was torn off and we had to limp back to port.

What causes one to see the works of the Lord?  It’s when you are in a situation that the only way out is for God to intervene.  Psalm 107:28-29 states,

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distresses.

He caused the storm to be still, so that the waves of the sea were hushed.

The sailors with Jonah saw the works of the Lord as a mighty storm assailed them because of Jonah’s disobedience.  What’s a storm that you’re currently facing?  Are you trusting in yourself or are you open to seeing the works of the Lord?  As God delivered the Psalmist out of various trials, a recurring theme in Psalm 107 is echoed in verse 31,

Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for His wonders to the sons of men!

May you and I give thanks to the Lord as we see His works in our lives!