Psalms 138

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 138

A psalm of David giving wholehearted thanks to God. Though the Lord is high above, he cares for the lowly. David is confident that God will fulfill his purpose for him.

Scripture

Wholehearted Thanks

Study note

David will praise God with all his heart. He worships toward God's holy temple and gives thanks for God's faithful love and truth. God has magnified his word above all things. When David called, God answered and made him bold.

1 I thank you with every bit of my heart. Before the heavenly beings I sing your praise. I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

2 I bow down facing your holy temple and thank your name for your loyal love and faithfulness. You have lifted your name and your word above everything. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

3 The very day I called out, you answered. You poured strength into my soul. In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

God Cares for the Lowly

Study note

All the kings of the earth will praise God when they hear his words. Though the Lord is exalted, he cares for the lowly. Even when David walks through trouble, God preserves him. The Lord will fulfill his purpose for David. God's love endures forever — he will not abandon the work of his hands.

4 Every king on earth will thank you, LORD, once they hear what you have promised. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

5 They will sing about what the LORD has done, because the LORD's glory is so great. Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD.

6 Even though the LORD is high above everything, he pays special attention to humble people. But he watches the proud from far away. Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

7 Even when I walk right through the worst trouble, you bring me back to life. You reach out your hand against my angry enemies, and your mighty hand rescues me. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

8 The LORD will finish everything he started in my life. LORD, your loyal love lasts forever — please do not give up on what your hands have made. The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 138

Wholehearted thanksgiving to GodGod is high but cares for the lowlyGod preserves you through troubleGod will fulfill his purpose for you

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 138

The Lord is high above, yet He looks kindly on the lowly. And the verse that should give you hope every single day: 'The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.' God is not done with you. He started something in your life and he will complete it. Trust his long-term plan, even when the short-term is confusing.

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