Send to Kindleby Robin McKinley,
Narrated by Artificial Intelligence, Eric,
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David directed us in Psalm 138 to give thanks to the Lord with a heart full of praise. He used the word “thanks” only twice in this Psalm. He, however, compelled us to show our thankfulness through praising the Lord.
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. Psalm 138:1
At first glance, a person might think that David was offering praises to other gods. He wasn’t; he was saying, “I’ll worship my God right in front of your god. “In other words, we can and should offer praises to God anywhere we want.
He went on to say why he continued to thank the Lord. Why he offered praises to His name.
I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. Psalm 138:2
David was thankful because of the Lord’s unfailing presence in his life. He also received great encouragement from God.
As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:3
Not only did David give thanks to God, but all the kings of the earth would also thank Him. They all will hear His voice and sing His praises.
Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord, for all of them will hear your words. Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways, for the glory of the Lord is very great. Psalm 138:4-5
You Are An Important Person
Why do you think David considered it essential to include the kings of the earth in this Psalm? It’s because of their influence. You might ask, “What does that have to do with me?”
Kings aren’t the only people of influence. You also have a circle of influence. According to Peter’s first epistle, you are greater than an earthly king.
But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience his marvelous light, and now he claims you as his very own. 1 Peter 2:9 TPT
Look at the reason you have to give God a lifetime of thanks. And why should you praise Him with all your heart? He has called you his very own and made you into an important somebody.
Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy. 1 Peter 2:10
David offered plenty of reasons why we should be thankful to the Lord. At the close of this Psalm, he gave one more. In it, he revealed the personal relationship he experienced with God.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. Psalm 138:
The Lord wants the same type of relationship with each of us, because He will work out His plans for your life as well.
Lord, we give thanks to you because of who you are. We also thank you for what you have made us into. As your children, your royal priesthood, we offer you a lifetime of thanks with a heart full of praise.
About the Author:
Robin, with his wife Cindy, became children’s evangelists early in their ministry. They ministered to children full time for 8 years. During that time they developed several children’s stories which were told with visuals and puppets.
Robin recently turned two of those stories into children’s books. One is called “The Contest,” a book about the Fruit of the Spirit, and the other is called “Twas the Night of Christmas”. He has also authored 5 volumes of devotional books called, 3 Minutes Alone with God. Each entry is a product of his personal biblical Journaling.
These and his other writings are available on his website called Christian Perspectives at www.ramckinley.com. When you visit this site, you can sign-up for newly written devotions as they come out which will be emailed to you.
Presently Robin is the pastor of Calvary Christian Center in Pottstown, PA. He is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God. He and his wife make their home in Birdsboro, Pa. He also serves as the president of the local ministerium. He and Cindy have two married sons and four grandchildren.
