Reflections on Psalm 138

 

Psalms 138 (Contemporary English Version)


1. (By David.) With all my heart I praise you, LORD. In the presence of angels I sing your praises.
   
2. I worship at your holy temple and praise you for your love and your faithfulness. You were true to your word and made yourself more famous than ever before.
   
3. When I asked for your help, you answered my prayer and gave me courage.
   
4. All kings on this earth have heard your promises, LORD, and they will praise you.
   
5. You are so famous that they will sing about the things you have done.
   
6. Though you are above us all, you care for humble people, and you keep a close watch on everyone who is proud.
   
7. I am surrounded by trouble, but you protect me against my angry enemies. With your own powerful arm you keep me safe.
   
8. You, LORD, will always treat me with kindness. Your love never fails. You have made us what we are. Don't give up on us now!
   

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This is the first of a series of eight psalms that are attributed to David and thought to be works of his that were found at a later time and included in the Book of Psalms somewhat as a supplement. David writes from a thankful heart after God answered his prayer. He was certain all the kings on earth will give thanks to the Lord when they hear of His promises. This would include even the heathen kings. David seems of the opinion that God's glory is so great that in its presence no one can resist giving praise to the Lord. In verse 6 David says that the Lord has a preference to the humble over the haughty. Why is this? It is because He desires our worship and the haughty only worship themselves.

David is confident of the Lord's protection in the future because he has seen it in the past. As I understand it, that is what prompted this psalm - thankfulness for God's answer to his prayer to give him increased strength and protection against his enemies. What reason does he give for God giving His protection? That the Lord's purpose for him would be fulfilled. That is a thought worth hanging onto. Prayer for God's protection from harm is one we pray frequently if we are a praying person. Why would God honor that prayer? Or, why does He in some instances and not in others? It would seem to me that this thought from David helps answer these questions.  It is related to God's purpose for our lives. Would He be as inclined to protect us so that we can go about the life we want to live for ourselves as He would so we can fulfill the purpose He has for our lives? It seems that these questions and this thought are not unrelated to David's comment about God's preference to the humble over the haughty. The humble are more inclined to worship God. They are also more inclined to give themselves to God's purpose for their lives. According to Romans 12:1, this is the greatest worship we can give God - to give Him our lives.