There is an Evangelistic element that runs through this poem. I find it similar to the Great Commission passages of the New Testament. Notice the introductory words of v 2, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Also, take note of the refrain in the Psalm, "Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, And for His wonders to the sons of men!" (8, 15, 21, & 31) I see this sentiment repeated throughout Scripture. A couple of examples:
The Samaritan woman in John 4:28-30
The simple words of the man healed from blindness in John 9:25, "One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.”
Paul's repeated telling of his story in Acts 22, 26, and in a less narrative way in Philippians 3.
We live in a world filled with problems, pain, and sorrow. Psalm 107 is full of that, we see it in the experiences of the wandering people, looking for a home; those imprisoned by their own sin; the victims of self-induced sickness; and those who, like the sailors in Psalm 107, encounter the surd evil that is the result of the fallen condition of our world (see also Romans 8). When the Lord delivers a redeemed-one from the clutches of evil, clearly the appropriate response is to say something. As we parents frequently reminded our children when they were little, "Say 'thank you' to the nice lady/gentleman." We should thank the Lord.
If that were the end of the matter, it would be enough. We ought to thank God, not merely in words, but even more importantly, in a life lived well. The Apostle Paul works out this arithmetic in Romans 12:1-2, Philippians 3, and 2 Corinthians 5:14-15, "For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf." So God delivers--is delivering--us from the horrible effects of sin in this world (the main portion of Psalm 107), we respond with thanksgiving and praise, and God is pleased and glorified, thus a good faith effort is made to balance the scales. That's good. I'm not taking away from that. I'm just saying, there is even more.
We don't live in a vacuum. Other people hear what we say. They see how we live. Psalm 107:43 says it is wise to heed such things. The Philippian jailer took note of Paul and Silas singing and praying, though they had been beaten, were in stocks, and were facing a death sentence. He famously called out, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" His response to the Gospel message that ensued changed his life. 1 Peter 3:15 is in a context of suffering and mistreatment. Yet God's people recognize God's deliverance; they have hope. Others see that hope and ask, "Why?" Now there is an opening for John 3:16 or the Romans Road. :)
Twenty-first Century Christendom tends to look at evangelism and worship as two very different things. They aren't. They are part of the same flow. Listen to the way David put it in another Psalm.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:2–3
A life of thanksgiving and praise is the foundation of evangelism.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so!
(Here are a couple of musical renditions of Psalm 107 that you might appreciate:
Jason Silver, "Cried to the Lord"
Sovereign Grace, "We Give Thanks"
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