Slices
Prepare
How beautiful are the sounds of praise, hearts stirred deeply experiencing God’s unfailing love. Read Psalm 138 slowly… savouring the heart of God. Now reread it aloud, praising God.
Bible passage
Of David.
1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the ‘gods’ I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down towards your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,
when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,
for the glory of the Lord is great.
6 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
though lofty, he sees them from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
with your right hand you save me.
8 The Lord will vindicate me;
your love, Lord, endures for ever –
do not abandon the works of your hands.
Explore
To praise ‘with all my heart’ in biblical times implied a well-spring of emotions, courage and all that was life-giving, erupting from deep inside. Today’s psalm epitomises this. The psalmist’s voice exuberantly sings his gratitude for God’s help (vs 1–5). Note the psalmist’s animated invitation for all nations to join in worshipping the Lord (vs 4,5). He is unapologetic and unabashed in his worship, lost in the wonder of the Lord. As you read, identify which phrases speak of your own experience of knowing God, even in times of trouble (v 7).
This psalm contrasts markedly with yesterday’s reading. When Israel was defeated, there was no turning to God for help, nor moments of praise. It is difficult for praise to come easily to hearts which are deceitful and closed, hiding betrayal and apostasy. Perhaps you have noticed that when bitterness, cynicism or hurt enters your heart, you can feel like an observer in worship, rather than being able to participate in a heartfelt way. Let’s choose to seek God’s help to overcome this so that we can rediscover the spirit of overflowing, heart- felt worship that we find in this psalm: ‘Your love, Lord, endures for ever’ (v 8).
Respond
What holds you back from worshipping? Challenge yourself today and dance (in private!) as you read this psalm. Use arms or feet to express your love to God.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Kings 13,14; Zechariah 3,4
Pray for Scripture Union
Please pray for SU Slovakia’s new pilot programme, aiming to create a curriculum for long-term training for children’s workers. Pray too for three workshops they will be doing with the Baptist Union for Sunday school teachers in different regions of Slovakia.
