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
David prays this psalm in the midst of trouble. His problems are not solved, his enemies are still powerful, and the future he expects isn't quite the reality he's living in. But here he is singing about the faithfulness of God, his heart exploding with praise, his body bowing in humble adoration of the God who has strengthened his soul.
Finding such words of gratitude in the middle of difficulties can be a struggle. Sometimes finding any words is a struggle! So we borrow the words of others. Their lament gives voice to ours, their praise invites our own, their trust gives us confidence for our own trust. More than anticipating an admiring "Wow!," David hopes others will join in the celebration. Why? Because God cares about the people no one else notices. When they call — using whatever words they have — God answers.
Prayer
You have done great things, Gracious God. Your noticing me is one I'm especially thankful for. Give me words for my prayers and guide me to trust you even in the midst of troubles. Amen.