In Psalm 138, David directed us not only to give thanks to the Lord. But he said to do it with a heart full of praise.
He only used the word “thanks” two times in this Psalm. He did compel us to show our thankfulness through praising the Lord.
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. Psalm 138:1
At first glance, you might think that David praised other gods. Far from it, though. Instead, he would have no problem worshiping God in front of man-made gods.
In other words, we can and should praise God anywhere we want. He continued by saying why he gave thanks to the Lord and offered up praises to His name.
I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. Psalm 138:2
The Lord’s unfailing presence in David’s life served as the source of his thankfulness. He went on to reveal how he received great encouragement from God.
As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:3
Not only did David give thanks to God. But when the kings of the earth hear the words of the Lord, they too will thank Him. And they will sing His praises.
Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord, for all of them will hear your words. Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways, for the glory of the Lord is very great. Psalm 138:4-5
You Are An Important Person
Why do you think David thought it important to include the kings of the earth in this Psalm? Probably because kings and rulers can make or break a nation, and they carry much influence.
In fact, every one of us has a circle of influence. Some may be bigger than others, but we all have one. According to Peter, Christians have a place of royalty in God’s kingdom.
For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9
Therefore, you have a glorious reason to give thanks to the Lord by praising Him. He made you a royal priest. He also made you important because He chose you as His very own.
Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy. 1 Peter 2:10
Warnings From Peter
Peter continued by giving us a couple of warnings. In a nutshell, he said, as temporary residents live right and stay away from worldly desires.
- Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
- Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.1 Peter 2:11-12
Peter warned us to get rid of evil behavior, deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. David, on the other hand, encouraged us. Both men, however, pointed us in the same direction.
As we continue in Psalm 138, let me ask a vital question. Who is more likely to give thanks to the Lord, a humble person or a prideful one? David gave us a hint.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. Psalm 138:6
David gave plenty of reasons why we should give thanks to the Lord. At the close of this Psalm, he gave one more. In it, he revealed the personal relationship he experienced with God.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:8
You – Give the Lord Thanks
Give thanks to the Lord because He will also work out His plans for your life. The prophet Jeremiah encouraged us to follow God’s plans.
Many of the prophecies of the Old Testament spoke to not only their current circumstances. But they often spoke to future generations, like this one in Jeremiah.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Lord, we give thanks to you because of who you are. We also thank you for what you have made us into; your children and your royal priesthood.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Christian Perspectives
Featured Image by Jimmy Lau from Pixabay
