Psalm 138
Praise is vowed to the Lord. This debt should be devoutly
paid. The Lord is worthy to be trusted.
1-2. "I will praise You with my whole heart; before
the gods will I sing praise to You. I will worship toward Your holy temple,
and praise Your name for Your lovingkindness, and for Your truth; for You
have magnified Your word above all Your name."
No joy can surpass the delight of thanksgiving. It is a
thrice blessed exercise. It brings down heaven into the heart. It should
engage all the affection of the inner man. Cold praise is an insulting
mockery. No fear of man should check this utterance. Before earth's highest
potentates timidity should not bring silence. But especially should we take
pleasure in the praises of holy ordinances. God's love and truth should have
the loudest notes. His faithful performance of His precious promises demand
acknowledgment. There is no brighter jewel in the crown of His attributes.
3. "In the day when I cried You answered me, and
strengthened me with strength in my soul."
Experience is a grand encouragement in holy duties. The
soul is lively and hopeful, when it can point to promises all fully
redeemed. It is delight to know that when in Christ's name we seek spiritual
strength we offer petitions which will surely have response, because in
accordance with God's mind.
4-5. "All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O
Lord, when they hear the words of Your mouth. Yes, they shall sing in the
ways of the Lord; for great is the glory of the Lord."
The day shall surely come when the kingdoms of this world
shall become the kingdoms of the blessed Jesus, and He shall reign forever
and ever. Let us by constant prayer hasten this happy time.
6. "Though the Lord is high, yet has He respect unto
the lowly; but the proud He knows afar off."
Our Heavenly Father humbles Himself to behold the things
which are in heaven and earth; but His eyes regard the lowly with especial
favor. Let us be clothed with humility, thus shall we be fit for robes of
glory.
7. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will
revive me; You shall stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my
enemies, and Your right hand shall save me."
In our heavenward course troubles will beset us on the
right hand and on the left. But let no fears depress us. The Lord will
strengthen and refresh us. He will cause our graces to blossom like the
rose. His mighty power shall be manifested in our behalf, and we shall
stride victorious over all hindrances.
8. "The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your
mercy, O Lord, endures forever; forsake not the works of Your own hands."
May the Lord give us grace to clasp to our hearts the
truths of this most precious verse! He who has begun the work will surely
bring it to perfection. If the foundation be truly laid, the topstone will
be brought forth with shouts of, Grace to it, Grace to it! Desertion is
unknown in the kingdom of the blessed Jesus.