“Great is the Glory of the LORD” – Psalm 138

Psalms 138-145 were written by David and are his last compositions in the Psalter. As I read & reflected upon Psalm 138, I immediately thought how this song (and many others from David) should generate in me much more giving of thanks to God “with my whole heart” and singing his praise before the many rival gods in society today (1). I should humble myself by bowing before the LORD and worshipping him with thanksgiving “for [his] steadfast love and [his] faithfulness” (2a). Why? Because God’s name and his word deserve it (2b). Like David, Yahweh has answered me at a time in my life when I needed “my strength of soul” increased (3). Many times God has not changed my circumstances, but he has strengthened me so that I could endure whatever I faced. I’m sure this was David’s experience, too.

I long for the day when “all the kings of the earth” shall give Yahweh thanks and “sing of the ways of the LORD” and magnify with their praise and singing “the glory of Yahweh,” for it indeed is great (4-5). That day is coming, when the words from God’s mouth, the gospel message of salvation, shall have been preached among the nations (Matthew 24:14), and in the New Jerusalem “the kings of the earth will bring their spendor into it” and “the glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it” (Revelation 21:24, 26). This is God’s Plan A. Those who humbly receive God’s truth will benefit from his favor, but the proud will only remain separated from God (6).

Today I can rest assured that “though I walk in the midst of trouble” (visible & invisible), God will “preserve my life” and protect me from my enemies (7). This sounds a lot like Psalm 23:4-5, where I can walk through the valley of the shadow of death (all around me) and fear no evil because my Shepherd is with me, and in the presence of enemies a table is prepared for me. I also know that “Yahweh will fulfill his purpose for me” today and every day, because his steadfast love endures forever. He will not forsake the work of his hands, of which I am one (8; Ephesians 2:10).