Tuesday, August 22, 2023  

---

Today’s Scripture Reading 
Psalm 138

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 your name and your word above everything.

On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul.

All the kings of the earth shall praise you, O Lord, for they have heard the words of your mouth.

They shall sing of the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord.

For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly; but the haughty he perceives from far away.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve me against the wrath of my enemies; you stretch out your hand, and your right hand delivers me.

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. (NRSV)

---

Reflection
“I give thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart” — from the first line, Psalm 138 explodes with joyful lyricism — praising God for God’s goodness. I wasn’t familiar with this psalm — which is an individual Hymn of Thanksgiving — a single voice praising God for goodness. This psalm is “of David”.

The lyricism of this psalm made me want to refresh my understanding of the psalms. I was introduced to theologian Hermann Gunkel (1862–1932), who some consider to be the father of psalm studies. He wrote, in describing hymns of thanksgiving: “A person is saved out of great distress, and now with grateful heart he brings a thank offering to God… a song in which he expresses his thanks.”

The psalmist tells us that God answers us whenever we cry out (verse 3). God stretches out God’s hand to us (verse 7). And, ultimately God delivers us — holds us up and supports us (verse 7).

In the midst of our ever-chaotic world, with uncertainty and daily challenges, this psalm reminds me to thank God for God’s steadfast love. God is there for me — God remembers, God cares, and God guides me. God, who sustains me, is always worthy of my thanks and praise.

---

Prayer
Spirit of the Living God, descend on me today. Thank you for your steadfast love. You strengthen my soul and support me in the trials and tribulations of life. Thank you for sustaining me and always providing a guiding hand. Help me to know what I can do and say in the ministry of your love, so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. Amen.

---

Written by Marc Miller, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email