The Lord Will

Psalms

Psalm 138

KJV

1

I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee.

2

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

3

In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul.

4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth.

5

Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord.

6

Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

7

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.

8

The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Overview

Psalm 138 moves from wholehearted thanksgiving to confidence that God hears, regards the lowly, sustains in trouble, and does not abandon the work of his hands.

Setting and context

A personal thanksgiving psalm with a wider horizon that includes rulers. Its confidence should not be turned into guarantees of immediate rescue, divine-right politics, contempt for other religions, or immunity from suffering.

Themes

Wholehearted thanksgiving · Answered prayer · God regards the lowly · Preservation and enduring purpose

Reflection

Practice gratitude without triumphalism, honor the lowly, resist pride in power, and trust God’s steadfast love without treating faith as immunity from trouble.

Reading notes

The kings are pictured hearing God’s words, not receiving immunity from accountability. Verse 8 expresses trust and petition, not a guarantee for every career, relationship, political project, or material goal.

Key passages

Psalm 138:1: Undivided allegiance and public thanksgiving. Psalm 138:6: God’s greatness is paired with regard for the lowly. Psalm 138:8: Confidence rests in enduring mercy and remains a prayer.

Questions readers ask

Does Psalm 138 guarantee every personal plan will succeed? No. Verse 8 expresses trust in God’s enduring mercy and remains a prayer, not a blanket guarantee for personal projects.