Through the summer I am focusing with our church family on Psalms: The Ways of the Lord for our midweek devotion. The Psalms help us gain an understanding of worship, because they give us insight into God and the human experience with God. The Psalms are prominent in the New Testament as one of two Old Testament books most frequently appearing, with the other being Isaiah. The Psalms became an important part of the corporate worship experience of the church.

Psalm 138 is the first Psalm for the summer that I taught last week. Lovingkindness in verse 2 describes the character of the Lord. Lovingkindness is a part of who God is. It describes God’s heart toward all who belong to Him. It is connected with the idea of a covenant, solemn oath, or commitment. When you are experiencing trouble, what is the first thing you do? The Psalmist started by giving thanks. He did not complain, he went to God.

The Lord keeps His Word. v2 Your truth; for You have magnified Your word above all Your name. At issue is the nature of truth. The Bible is God’s Word, and is a divine revelation to us from God. If you say you trust the Lord, you have to trust His Word and believe what He has promised. If you are not completely convinced God’s Word is reliable, then it will be impossible to develop strong faith and please God.

The Lord answers His people. v3 In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. The Lord answered and rescued David many times. One reason we know God hears our prayers is because He has promised to hear them. He does not always answer the way we think He should but He hears and answers. God makes us courageous with strength and it is not the answer to the prayer that is the key, but the relationship with God. Prayer is about relationship.

The Lord cares for the humble. v6 Though the Lord is on high, Yet he regards the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar. God loves the humble. There is none greater than God, and even kings praise Him. Though God is seated on His throne in Heaven, He draws near to us when we draw near to him.

The Lord saves. v7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me, You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand will save me. Understanding the power of God builds our confidence. The right hand of God represents his strength and he defends us from our enemies.

God is good, he loves, and his mercy endures forever!