Give Thanks To God With A Heart Full Of Praise

In Psalm 138, David directed us not only to give thanks to God. But he said to do it with a heart full of praise.

He only used the word “thanks” twice in this Psalm. He did, however, compel 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, you might think that David praised other gods. Far from it, though. Instead, he had no problem worshiping the Lord in front of artificial gods.

In other words, we can and should praise God anywhere we want. He continued by telling us why he gave thanks to God and why we should give Him praises.

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

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The Lord’s unfailing presence in David’s life served as the source of his thankfulness. He went on to reveal how he received great encouragement from God.

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength. Psalm 138:3

David wouldn’t be the only one to give thanks to God. When the kings of the earth hear the words of the Lord, they, too, will thank Him. And they will 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 thought it important to include the kings of the earth in this Psalm? Probably because kings and rulers can make or break a nation, and they carry much influence.

Each of us has a circle of influence, some bigger than others, but we all have one. So use your influence because, according to Peter, Christians have a place of royalty in God’s kingdom.

For you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Therefore, you have a glorious reason to give thanks to God by praising Him. He made you a royal priest. He also made you important because He chose you as His very own.

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

Warnings From Peter

Peter continued by issuing a couple of warnings. In a nutshell, he said, as temporary residents on earth, live right and stay away from worldly desires.

Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.
Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.1 Peter 2:11-12

Peter warned us about evil behavior, deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. David, on the other hand, encouraged us. Both men pointed us in the same direction.

As we continue in Psalm 138, let me ask a vital question. Who is more likely to give thanks to God, a humble person or a prideful one? David gave us a hint.

Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud. Psalm 138:6

If you’re into sci-fi movies, I’m sure you’ve seen people protected by a force fields. There’s nothing real about them. God, however, reaches out and protects us by His hand.

Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me. Psalm 138:7

This Psalm offers plenty of reasons why we should give thanks to God. It closes with one more as David 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

You – Give God Thanks

Give thanks to God because as He had plans for David, He also has a plan for your life. The prophet Jeremiah encouraged us to follow God’s plans.

Many of the prophecies of the Old Testament spoke to not only their current circumstances. But they often spoke to future generations, like this one in Jeremiah.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Lord, we give thanks to you because of who you are. We also thank you for what you have made us into: your children and your royal priesthood.