A Lifetime Of Thanks And Heart Full Of Praise

David directed us in Psalm 138 to give a lifetime of thanks with a heart full of praise. He only used the word “thanks” two times 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. Also he offered up 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 would 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 it was important that David included the kings of the earth in this Psalm? I think it is because they are people of influence. You might be asking, “What does that have to do with me?”

Kings are people of influence. You also have a circle of influence. According to the epistle of 1 Peter, 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

You have a glorious reason to give God a lifetime of thanks with a heart full of praise. He has called you to be his very own. He has 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

A Lifetime Of Thanks And Heart Full Of Praise

David’s Lifetime was full of Thanks

David gave 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 138:8

The Lord wants that same type of relationship with each of us as well.

Check out this related post on giving thanks, His Faithful Love Endures Forever.

Lord, we give thanks to you because of who you are. We also thank you because of 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.

Read the entire text of what David said in Psalm 138.