In 2 Peter 1:3, Peter tells us that “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” God is good to stoop to us and to grant us all we need.
His name is worthy of our gratitude and praise.
“I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.” Psalm 138:1-2
His steadfast love and faithfulness are rock-solid—a powerful foundation. He has exalted his name and word above all else. Our response is undiluted praise and gratitude. We bow down in worship. As E. M. Bounds wrote, “A heart enthused with God, a heart illuminated by his presence, a life guided by his right hand, must have something to say for God in gratitude.”
“On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.” Psalm 138:3
God answers us and strengthens our soul. We enter God’s presence and ask of him. In so doing, he then restores our soul’s strength. Prayer is a centering exercise, reminding us that God is in heaven, and we are on earth (Ecclesiastes 5:2). Richard Burr says, “Prayer is not the means by which man gets his will done in heaven but the means by which God gets His will done on earth.”
“All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth, and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.” Psalm 138:4-5
The words and ways of the Lord are life-giving. He is majestic and deserves great glory. All kings will see and, like wise men who brought gifts from afar, they will give thanks at his wise words. His words and ways inspire singing and worship.
“For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” Psalm 138:6-7
The incarnation is a mysterious truth. The Lord on high came low. Perfection took on sin. He is drawn to the meek and lowly. His humility causes him to reject the proud.
If one so high-yet-humble loves us, he can be trusted to preserve us as we walk through any trouble, any loss. Stand on that truth when facing loss. Your protector loves you and upholds you. Your deliverer extends his hand simply asking that you trust him.
“We are clearly taught that the love of God never fails his children, that it is as true and tender in times of affliction as it is in times of gladness, that it is the same when blessings are taken away as when they are given.” J. R. Miller, The Ministry of Comfort
Even if you or I walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), we can know by faith that he will accomplish his purposes in our lives. Nothing will be left undone. And all the while—through every glad and sad season—his overflowing steadfast and lavish love is poured out upon us.
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.” Psalm 138:8
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