Day 856: Psalm 138- God's Focus To Change

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
2 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.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.
 
4 All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5 and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.

6 For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
    but the haughty he knows from afar.
7 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.
8 The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.
 
Meditation
God’s sovereign grace is sufficient to sustain us in struggle, securing us in His love to sing from our hearts. God is more interested in changing your heart to sing through your struggles than He is in changing you to removes struggle.
 
The apostle Paul pleaded for the Lord to change his circumstances, asking multiple times for a thorn to be removed from his flesh. God changed Paul rather than changing his circumstances, proclaiming “my grace is sufficient, my power is made perfect in your weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:8-10).
 
On multiple occasions king David pleaded with the Lord to change his circumstances. Today’s reading directs praise flowing from a person changed by God’s gracious engagement: “I called, you answered, my strength of soul you increased (3) … you preserve my life (7).” God changes the heart of the king rather than changing David’s difficult circumstances.
 
A changed heart overflows in thanksgiving and praise, despite problems and persecution. David praised the Lord for His help (1-3), the light of His word (4-6), and His eternal faithfulness (7-8). David’s enemies remain, but God’s steadfast love endures forever. David’s troubles do not disappear. God’s faithfulness protects and wipes away every tear.
 
This type of transformation requires we trust God with both confidence and humility. We are confident in God’s sovereignty, his authority over evil and enemies, while also humbling ourselves before His word and throne. God alone can give us what we need to persevere with praise.
 
Richly Dwelling
-Are you more interested in God changing your circumstances or changing you? Why?
 
-What stands out to you from today’s reading, especially in regards to God’s steadfast love that endures forever?
 
-Jesus asked the Father to change His circumstances, to take the cup of wrath from Him, but humbled Himself to endure the cross. Where do you need to claim confidence in God’s sovereignty and humble yourself before His throne, His word, and His plan? His grace is sufficient- you can trust Him.
 
Key Verse
3 On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.