Psalm 138

Read Psalm 138

“I give You thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart.” David knew that the idols of the nations were nothing, but he was also very aware that among men and angels there were many so-called “gods.” He was able to give his “whole heart” to Yahweh because he trusted that the God of Israel was far above all these other powers. Together with all in Israel who worshiped the Lord, the king gave thanks to the One whose Name and Word was “exalted above all things.”

David knew about God not only based on the testimony of Moses, Samuel, and the other prophets who came before him. He had also experienced the power of the Lord in his own life. “On the day I called, You answered me; my strength of soul You increased.”

King David was entirely right when he insisted that the rulers of nations all over the earth would give thanks to Israel's God. So many years prior to the proclamation of the gospel, this royal ancestor of the Messiah insisted that many great kings would hear God's Word and would “sing of the ways of the Lord.” Even though the “haughty” might only know the Christ “from afar,” they would come to appreciate what so many of their “lowly” subjects would understand better than they—that Jesus was King of kings and Lord of lords.

David, and many others who would sing the songs that he composed, would still have to “walk in the midst of trouble.” Yet they would heartily acknowledge this truth before God: “You preserve my life.” Many simple believers would sing with confidence, “Your right hand delivers me.” Despite their great sufferings, they would confess this faith: “The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.”

We join in the song of believers throughout the ages. We add our voices to theirs as we sing these earnest words: “Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of Your hands.”

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Father God, we give You thanks. Thank You for Your faithfulness. When we called out to You, You heard Your servants and helped us. Surely You heard Your Son when He cried out to You in the garden of Gethsemane. You heard His cry from the cross. Now He is risen and even ascended. He is at Your right hand, and He intercedes for us. You will fulfill all of Your purposes for Your Son. We are the work of His hands. Please do not forsake the people of Your Son’s possession.