Psalm 138 – God is worthy of our grateful praise and worship

Psalm 138 together with the next seven are the last eight Psalms that David had written. So in this Psalm, we will see some of his thoughts captured in words. Here he declared his praise for God, discussed his confidence in Him and described the mercy and truth of God.  

In the first three verses, David showed his gratitude to God by giving thanks to Him. He knew that he was giving thanks to someone worthy of it all. So he did it, not flippantly or cursorily but wholeheartedly. The God who had done so much for him certainly deserved unfettered thanksgiving. And as he showed his gratitude, he also offered his praise and worship to the great God. David recalled how God responded to his call for deliverance and He broke through and empowered him for victory. Following David’s example, let’s not be afraid to call on God in times of our needs and struggles. He will grant us similar victories if we rely on Him. As He went to David’s rescue and showed great mercy and truth, He will also grant us His mercy and truth.

In verses 4-5, David anticipated that praise to God would one day be universally given. Perhaps we are already living in that day. Today, all over the world, in almost every country we see groups of people offering praise and worship to our God. In many places, kings as well as ordinary citizens, recognize who God is and choose to follow Him. Praises and worship are being offered to Him everywhere by many, if not all. Here we are again reminded that God will gladly consider the humble but will not attend to the proud. Remember to draw near with humility and be recognized by God.

Like David, let’s stay confident in God. In the last two verses, we can see that his confidence is rooted in his trust in God. He knew that God would come to his assistance when troubles besieged him. He was certain that God would save him from the intention and rage of all his enemies. These two verses declared his deep assurance that God’s mercy is everlasting and he asked for Him to stay near always. It’s understandable that he should asked God not to forsake him for he just did not like the feeling of being forsaken even for a little while. So like him, we can expect God to draw near to us as we draw near to Him. For this is His promise. What great comfort we have in a wonderful God! So as we draw near to God humbly, let’s also offer our thanksgiving and praise. Let’s offer our worship confidently, knowing that He will never let us down, but will supply all our needs in life.