Back when I was young, stupid, and lost, I tried to turn to the occult to figure out what I should do with my life. I was very much into astrology. I even tried palm readers, tarot cards, psychics, and even Ouija Boards. What I didn’t know was that I was flirting with Satan. All I had to do was trust God with my life. It took me a while, but God finally got my attention, and I surrendered to Him. How about you? Who or what do you trust with YOUR LIFE?
Psalm 138
A psalm of David.
1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart;
I will sing your praises before the gods.
2 I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
3 As soon as I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me strength.4 Every king in all the earth will thank you, Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
5 Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
6 Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.7 Though I am surrounded by troubles,
Psalm 138 NLT
you will protect me from the anger of my enemies.
You reach out your hand,
and the power of your right hand saves me.
8 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.
Unfailing Love and Faithfulness
Some versions use the word “lovingkindness,” which is a way, in Old Testament terms, to say “Grace”. Grace is a gift that is undeserved and unearned. David knew that and praised God for it. In the New Testament, John wrote…
For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness [Grace] came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17 NLT
David lived under the Law, but he had a “New Covenant” mindset. He knew where his blessings came from — through His Grace — His Love and Faithfulness.
The next statement in verse 2 shows that David trusted God’s Promises — which He always keeps. Some translations say “Your Word” rather than “promises”. So, he trusted in God’s Word — the Bible — and revered His Name.
David then states that when he prays, his prayers are answered. Furthermore, he is encouraged by the strength God gives. That’s one thing that we forget. It really helps if you have the Holy Spirit in your heart to feel God’s strength…
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7 NLT
A Bit of Prophecy
Verses 4 and 5 are prophetic because what it says certainly hasn’t happened yet. Not all kings are thanking God! Paul wrote…
9God elevated him to the place of highest honor
Philippians 3:9-11 NLT
and gave him the name above all other names,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
When? Not until after the Great Tribulation, Jesus’ Glorious Appearing, His victory over Satan, and when we get to live in the New Jerusalem…
The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory.
Revelation 21:24 NLT
God Hates Pride
Though God is great, He cares for the humble. You may wonder why God doesn’t answer your prayers. Are you praying with a humble and contrite heart? If you’re living as if you can do it all, you’re trusting in yourself rather than in God. If you’re trusting in humans or governments, they will let you down. Worse yet, if you’re trusting in money, that can very easily vanish. That is pride.
You may wonder why God is far from you. Are you full of pride?
God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:5 NLT
Got Troubles?
Why does God allow us to be “surrounded by troubles”? Pastor Sandy Adams offers some insight…
The Lord is perfecting us. He’s not just protecting us, God is perfecting us. A muscle gets stronger only if it’s met with resistance. The same is true with faith. A faith that never encounters opposition never fully develops.
Pastor Sandy Adams
Jesus told us…
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 NLT
Because He overcame, when we become born-again believers, we become overcomers!
Isaiah wrote of God…
For I hold you by your right hand—
Isaiah 41:13 NLT
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
Your Life
David concludes his prayer with an affirmation and a supplication (request). He knows that God will work out HIS plans for his life. Therefore, God will work out His plan for YOUR life! Remember the Lord’s Prayer?
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10 NLT
When you try to live your life your way, you fail. Period. I know. I tried it. And I failed. Then, I surrendered my life to HIM. I follow Jesus, not a church, not a preacher, not a denomination — JESUS!
Lastly, David pleads for God not to abandon him. If you feel far from God, it wasn’t Him who moved! It’s unfortunate, but some churches actually lead you AWAY from God! They enable you to sin!
John wrote…
4 The Word gave life to everything that was created,
and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
John 1:4-5, 8:12 NLT
Can this World get any Darker?
Yes. It’s going to get way worse before the Rapture and even darker during the Great Tribulation.
On the other hand, if we are born again, we don’t walk in darkness because the Holy Spirit is our Light. So, instead of cursing the darkness, we need to turn on the Light!
Have you seen the Light yet?
Have you rejected the Light?
If you’re not sure if you’re saved or not, if you truly want to be born again and have the assurance of salvation, receive the Holy Spirit, feel His Shalom — a peace that surpasses all understanding, and get a 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven after you die, or that you won’t be left behind at the Rapture, which can happen at any moment, this is what you have to do…
Isn’t it about time you let Him in?
