Troubled But Not Forsaken
There will be times in the life of every believer in which they will walk through valleys of deep darkness. David speaks of one of his troubling valleys in Psalm 138. His response to his circumstances serve as a guide that all believers can follow. He responds to his troubles by maintaining his focus on God. Specifically, he focuses on God’s Grace (138:1-3), God’s Greatness (138:4-6), and God’s Goodness (138:7-8).
David begins with a declaration that shows the position of his heart as he publicly acknowledges God’s grace to him (138:1). He declares that he will sing God’s praises even before the unbelievers of this world with all their false gods (1-2). He states that God‘s word is magnified because God is faithful to His promises. David sees God’s faithfulness himself when God strengthened him and gave him courage to endure the trial that he was experiencing (3).
David continues by declaring that the Gentile rulers of this world will respond to God in faith and worship (4-5). They will sing praises to the Lord because of His greatness (5). David knows that even though God is great and awesome, he is near to those that are humble of heart and fear Him (6). God is far from the wicked who live pridefully apart from God and His Law.
Lastly, David is assured of the goodness of God (7-8). In the midst of trouble, God will comfort him and give him the strength to endure (7). God is powerful to protect His people and save them (7). David is confident that God will see to completion the good work that He has begun in his life (8). He ends this psalm with a confident hope that God will not forget His people.