REFLECT: While a good leader for the nation, King David (the author of this psalm) endured times of violent conflict, family discord and personal failure. How did David’s view of God knit the good together with the challenges? How was his focus similar to Paul’s from Philippians 1:6*? 

RESPOND: Praise is defined as to “give honor, admiration, approval”. David praised God in the presence of the powerful and in the privacy of his prayer time. List the reasons that David praised God. Start with these and add your own experiences as you spend some time praising God today.

Psalm 138

¹ I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise.

² I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.

³ When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.

⁴ May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord, when they hear the words of your mouth.

⁵ May they sing of the ways of the Lord, for the glory of the Lord is great.

⁶ Though the Lord is on high, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar.

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me.

⁸ The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of your hands. 

*”…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians1:6