24. They, too, observed the lord’s power in action,his impressive works on the deepest seas.
25. He spoke, and the winds rose,stirring up the waves.
26. Their ships were tossed to the heavensand plunged again to the depths;the sailors cringed in terror.
27. They reeled and staggered like drunkardsand were at their wits’ end.
28. “lord, help!” they cried in their trouble,and he saved them from their distress.
29. He calmed the storm to a whisperand stilled the waves.
30. What a blessing was that stillnessas he brought them safely into harbor!
31. Let them praise the lord for his great loveand for the wonderful things he has done for them.
32. Let them exalt him publicly before the congregationand before the leaders of the nation.
33. He changes rivers into deserts,and springs of water into dry, thirsty land.
34. He turns the fruitful land into salty wastelands,because of the wickedness of those who live there.
35. But he also turns deserts into pools of water,the dry land into springs of water.
36. He brings the hungry to settle thereand to build their cities.
37. They sow their fields, plant their vineyards,and harvest their bumper crops.
38. How he blesses them!They raise large families there,and their herds of livestock increase.
39. When they decrease in number and become impoverishedthrough oppression, trouble, and sorrow,
40. the lord pours contempt on their princes,causing them to wander in trackless wastelands.
41. But he rescues the poor from troubleand increases their families like flocks of sheep.
42. The godly will see these things and be glad,while the wicked are struck silent.