A Song of Gratitude and Praise

Psalm 138 is one of the psalms of David, king of Israel, renowned for his musical talent and love for God. The psalm is a song of gratitude and praise to God for His faithfulness and power. In it, David expresses his sincere thanksgiving, worship, and confidence in God, and predicts that all the kings of the earth will one day sing His praises.

1: I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise.

In this verse, David expresses his sincere gratitude and thanks to God for His goodness and grace. He declares that he will give God his full-hearted thanks and sing his praises before the gods. Here “the "gods" is likely a reference to the false gods worshiped by the pagan nations around Israel. David's intention is to make his gratitude and praise known in the presence of others.

2: I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.."

Here David expresses his humility in worship towards God. He states that he will bow down toward God's holy temple, symbolising his respect and reverence for God. He also praises God for His steadfast love and faithfulness, which is demonstrated that God has exalted his name and His word above all things. This refers to God's name and covenant word that has been revealed, which are a manifestation of His love and faithfulness to His people.

3: "On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased."

David reflects on a personal experience with God, where he called out to Him and received an answer. He says that God strengthened his soul, which suggests that God gave him the courage and strength to face his difficulties. This verse demonstrates to us the power of prayer and the assurance of God's presence in our lives.

4: "All the kings of the earth shall give you strength, O Lord, for they hear the words of your mouth."

In this verse, David predicts that all the kings of the earth will one day praise God when they hear the words of His mouth. There are two ways to interpret this verse. It may refer to the ultimate restoration of all things, where all people will come to know and worship the Lord, or it could refer prophetically to the message of salvation that will be proclaimed throughout the earth, causing all people to give praise to God.

5: "They will sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord."

Here David continues his prediction of all the kings of the earth singing of the ways of the Lord. He states that this is because the glory of the Lord is great, demonstrating His power, majesty, and worthiness of worship.

6: "Though the Lord is on high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar."

David contrasts the character of the Lord with the character of human beings. He says that although the Lord is on high, He “regards” or looks upon the lowly, or those who are humble and in need. In contrast to the lowly, the “haughty” or proud He knows from afar. This suggests that God is distant from those who are arrogant and haughty. This teaches us that God is near to those who are humble, but distant from the proud.

7: "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me."

Here David reflects on his personal experience of God's protection and salvation. He states that even though he walks in the midst of trouble, God preserves his life. He also says that God stretches out His hand against the wrath of his enemies, which suggests that God actively defends and protects him. In addition, David says that God delivers him with His right hand, emphasising God's power and strength in saving him from danger.

8: "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the works of your hands."

David declares his confidence in God's plan for his life and His enduring love. He states that the Lord will fulfill His purpose for him, suggesting that God has a plan for his life that will ultimately come to fruition. He also emphasises the eternal nature of God's love, declaring that it endures forever. David pleads with God not to forsake the works of His hands, which refer to His people and even creation itself.

Psalm 138 is a beautiful expression of the relationship between a faithful servant of God and his Creator. It serves as a model for all of us to follow in our own worship and praise of God. It teaches us to approach God with a heart of gratitude and humility, to trust in His plan and purpose for our lives, and to worship Him for His power and love.

Have a great day, and God bless,

Trev.

and if you feel like singing God's praise,,,,,,