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
Today’s psalm is a profound statement of faith and spiritual growth, wrapped in praise and thanksgiving for God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. It reminds us that we are a work in progress being shaped by the divine. Such was the case with David, whose thanksgiving for deliverance is traditionally associated with this psalm. So it is with us, also, as we consider our spiritual journey amidst lives often filled with joy and happiness, as well as sorrow and grief. Through it all, God is ever present and faithful to his promises.
During difficult times, when prayer is difficult and hope fleeting, if we but look, we see blessings and moments where God’s hand is evident, gently guiding us through life’s storms, never failing to accompany us through the tumult. Be assured God always listens to our prayers even when we cannot find the words to express our pain or sorrow.
Prayer
Loving Lord, strengthen and nourish our faith so that we can joyfully sing your praise in good times, and be comforted by your presence in the midst of difficult times. May your unyielding love and faithfulness fill our hearts with a peace only possible through you. Amen.
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