Thursday Psalms: God's Purpose for You

   

David sets the tone for  Psalm 138 in the first three lines.  David announces his attitude toward the  Lord :  David gives thanks, sings praise and bows down.  The rest of the psalm explains why David is so thankful.  But first, when and why do you give thanks to God?

We generally give thanks to God when God gives good things to us.  When I get what I want, it's easy to be thankful, to sing and to give God at least passing credit.  We make it all about us.  But read carefully WHY David is thankful and full of praise for the Lord.

Psalm 138

¹ I give You thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;

     before the gods I sing Your praise;

² I bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name,

     for Your steadfast love and Your faithfulness, 

        for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word.

³ On the day I called, You answered me;

     my strength of soul You increased.

⁴ All the kings of the earth shall give You thanks, O Lord,

     for they have heard the words of Your mouth,

⁵ and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,

     for great is the glory of the Lord.

⁶ For though the Lord is high, He regards the lowly,

     but the haughty He knows from afar.

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life;

     You stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

        and Your right hand delivers me.

⁸ The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me;

     Your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.

        Do not forsake the work of Your hands. 

David points out it is all about the Lord and His actions.  God exalted His name & word.  God answered David's prayers.  God increased David's faith (the strength of his soul, I love that phrase!).  But the really important challenge for us we find in the last verse.  David praises the Lord who will "fulfill His purpose" .  What a faith-filled statement!

I'd like to challenge you to pray this simple prayer each day for the next week, and see how God might reply and lead you.

"O Lord, fulfill Your purpose for me."

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188 

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

     Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

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Soli Deo Gloria

"Restore us, O God, let Your face shine, that we may be saved!"  Psalm 80:3