Psalm 138

Psalm 138

If we take the first line of verse 8 out of context, we end up wanting to treat God’s power as a blank check for our agenda. We can also end up with a pretty bad misunderstanding of what we are to be about. “The Lord will accomplish what concerns me” is not about our wanting a new car, a bigger house, a larger income stream, or a more attractive spouse. This is so much bigger than our wants and wishes.

The Psalm begins with praise because God in His mercy and truth has been at work in the life of the Psalmist (vs. 1-3). In fact, God has been so highly exalted that the kings of the earth have heard and have apparently been converted because they have begun to sing and proclaim the glory of God. Interestingly, there is a connection between God’s closeness to the humble in this dramatic change. This was not a top-down edict that brought this change, but God’s close attention to the humble (vs. 4-6). 

Apparently this was not all easy work. There was opposition, but the Psalmist saw God’s hand at work as he was going about his ministry (vs. 7-8). It is when we are serving and God’s will is our concern that “the Lord will accomplish what concerns me.”

“Lord, direct me so that Your concern is my concern. AMEN.”