Scripture Reading(s)
Psalm 138
138:1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
138:2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness; for you have exalted your name and your word above everything.
138:3 On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.
138:4 All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth.
138:5 They shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.
138:6 For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.
138:7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.
138:8 The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Reflections
Sometimes it is hard to give thanks in the middle of a hard situation. Frustration can often take over and we find ourselves feeling too grim to express any feelings of thanks towards God. Our human emotions are a powerful tool and when met with anything that is outside of God’s word, that is when our minds start to wander down a path that leads us away from God.
Praising God means truly loving and thanking Him for His faithfulness despite what is going on around us. It is when we face trying times that our faith is tested and we are faced with either choosing to rely on His promises or give into our anxiety. One practical way that we can keep ourselves from giving into worry is by reminding ourselves of all the time God has worked to prove His faithfulness and that your current situation is no different.
David was often faced with enemies and dangerous situations (verse 7). Yet, He trusted in God’s hand of deliverance because He knew that God was the only one who could bring Him ultimate peace and rest during those hard times. Verse 8 is followed with a promise that still applies to us today. God will fulfill His promises to remain faithful and His love for us never changes.
No matter what you are facing today, look to the one who has proven He is powerful, loving and faithful and trust that He is able to work all things out for your good.