"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me."

Psalm 138:1-3

Psalm 138 is the kind of psalm he would come up with following the victories in David's life. The overriding sense is thanksgiving (vv. 1–3)— something we often forget when God answers our prayers! Our most frequent prayer tends to be ‘Lord, help me!’ and we try to remember to thank him when he does!

There is expectation here, too (vv. 4–6), the realization that the ‘kings of the earth’ will also praise the Lord. It reminds us that one day every tongue must confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, as they recognize his wisdom and his glorious sovereignty—and also his care for those humble enough to turn to him (all of which are anticipated in vv. 4–6).

Then there is a personal confidence (vv. 7, 8 that God will deliver and rescue. Troubles will come, but in the midst of them we can be confident in the Lord’s right hand to hold us. Then there’s the knowledge that, whatever happens, he will fulfill his purposes (v. 8. This is a very personal statement of faith, based on the psalmist’s relationship with God and the knowledge that his steadfast love never ends!

Closing Prayer

Thank you, Father, that there is nothing I cannot bring to you in prayer. Keep me ever mindful, though, that you deserve their being offered with overflowing thanksgiving and praise (edited from Encounter with God).