Psalm 138 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 138 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
Verse 2I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.
Verse 3On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.
Verse 4All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
Verse 5They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.
Verse 6For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.
Verse 7Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.
Verse 8The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Devotion
The psalmist, King David, is thankful because God answered his prayer. He feels confident that he will be safe and secure in God's loving care. He humbles himself and puts his trust in the Lord who will protect him.
An echo of Psalm 23 is found in verse 7, "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me."
Persons of faith are always confident in God's gracious intentions for them. What is unique in this psalm is the desire of King David to share his gratitude publicly, especially before other kings. He is confident that because of his testimony all the kings of the earth will similarly praise God for God's amazing love and concern for the lowly.
How comfortable are you in giving thanks to God in public?
When we thank God publicly we help others see that God is alive and continuing to act in history.
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the gift of each day. Help me to express my gratitude to you publicly that others may come to believe that you are alive and trust in your loving intentions for them. Amen.