Psalm 138: 1-2, 2-3, 6, 8 (Read)
“Lord, do not forsake the work of your hands.”
Our psalmist David composed this prayer of a
grateful heart. “I will give thanks to you, O Lord,
with all my heart.”
David is grateful because his petitions are
answered by the Lord. “For you have heard the
words of my mouth.” The Lord's answers to
our psalmist's prayers have come at a critical time,
a time when David is seeking to build up his strength.
David speaks of a divine rescue -- “When I cried out,
you answered; you strengthened my spirit.” Perhaps
we’re all in need of a spiritual rescue of the type
David describes.
And it isn’t because of any of the psalmist’s virtues
that he obtains salvation. It is a result of God’s loving
fidelity. “Lord, your love is eternal.” Our God does not
forsake the work of His hands, though as St Paul says
in our 2nd reading, “Who has given the Lord anything
that he may be repaid?” (Rom 11:35)
Unworthy as we are, and though the Lord is exalted,
He watches over us in our lowly state. And thanks
be to God, His kindness endures forever.
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our psalmist speaks of a divine rescue when he was in
great need of the Lord's Providence. Give an example of when
you have cried out to the Lord and He has answered your cry.
2. The Psalm's verses deal with an age old mystery--the Lord
is exalted, yet the lowly He sees. How do you reconcile the
apparent contradiction between God's heavenly dwelling and
His concern for us lowly humans?
SOOOO many people do the Lord’s work every day…….just like JK last week helping at the food bank…I’m sure that God is pleased with the work that JK is doing to help His people. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteI will praise thee with my whole heart. It is a part of our thankfulness to engage our heart to praise God in time to come.
ReplyDeleteThere is only one right way to praise and thank God. And that is with our whole heart. True worship is whole-hearted. Half-hearted praise is really not praise at all. It’s like the difference between a child who gets a present from his grandparents, and is forced by his parents to say thank you. As opposed to a child who gets a present, and immediately upon opening it, drops the gift, and runs into the arms of his joyful grandparents to give them the biggest hug they’ve ever received. That’s the kind of worship, praise, and thankfulness that God demands and deserves. And is this not the kind of praise that exudes from God’s children who are obeying the greatest commandment to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength.