The Word Says:
“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
Verse Thoughts:
When life goes in directions we didn’t expect, and when those directions include suffering and frustration, we can easily become discouraged. We wonder if God has forgotten us. We worry that our lives will sputter out like a car that has run out of gas. We fear we’ll end…
In Psalm 138, David begins by thanking the Lord for his “unfailing love and faithfulness.” God answered his prayers, even on the very day David offered them. Even though God is inestimably great, “he cares for the humble.”
But, as David first composed Psalm 138, he was surrounded by troubles and endangered by the anger of his enemies. In faith, David said, “The LORD will work out his plans for my life, “for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever.” David had confidence in God’s ultimate purpose for him, which God would fulfill. That means that David did not have to be afraid or discouraged. God would take care of him!
Yet Psalm 138 does not end with a firm confession of trust in God’s care. Rather, it concludes with a focused request: “Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” It’s as if David’s trust in God wavered for a moment. “Lord,” he prayed, “you will fulfill your purpose for me. Yes, indeed. Oh, but don’t forget me! Don’t abandon me!”
So, Psalm 138 exemplifies the reality of our life in God. It is true that God will work out his plans for us. As Paul writes to the Philippians, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” In this truth, we stake our lives. Yet there are times when we aren’t so sure. We wonder. We worry. We doubt. Psalm 138 encourages us to not hold back in those times, but to lay before the Lord both our confidence in him and our hesitations. He will take all of these and work them together for his purposes.