Giving Thanks with a Whole Heart: Exploring Psalm 138

Executive Summary ✨

Psalm 138, a song of thanksgiving, resonates deeply within the Coptic Orthodox tradition. It’s not merely a polite expression of gratitude, but a profound commitment to worship God with one’s entire being – heart, soul, and mind. The psalmist, likely David, acknowledges God’s unwavering love (hesed) and truth, demonstrating a reliance on divine power even in the face of worldly opposition. He speaks of God’s attentiveness to the humble and His knowledge of the proud, reiterating the importance of humility in our relationship with the Divine. Through prophetic insight, David anticipates the kings of the earth praising God upon hearing His word. This psalm inspires us to offer fervent, authentic praise, to cultivate humility, and to trust in God’s steadfast love and provision, especially when our journey is hard. We see God’s protective hand extended towards us, leading us through all of life’s complexities. Giving thanks with a whole heart, as explored in Psalm 138, is a key component to a fulfilling life.

This Psalm, a jewel in the crown of the Psalter, provides a roadmap for genuine thankfulness. We’ll delve into each verse, examining its historical context, its resonance within Coptic Orthodox tradition, and its practical application to our lives today. May this exploration deepen our understanding and inspire us to offer God the sincere praise He deserves.

Commentary Sections 📖📜

Verse 1: I will give thee thanks with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. (KJV)

Verse 1: I will praise You with my whole heart; Before the gods I will sing praises to You. (NKJV)

The Hebrew text uses the phrase “b’chol libi,” meaning “with all my heart.” This isn’t a casual thank you; it’s a commitment to offer praise from the deepest core of one’s being. The phrase “before the gods” has sparked much debate. Some interpret it as referring to pagan idols, implying David’s defiance and unwavering faith in the one true God. Others suggest it refers to angelic beings, acknowledging God’s sovereignty over all creation. Regardless, the emphasis is clear: David’s praise is fervent and unwavering, offered in the face of any possible opposition. St. Athanasius the Apostolic states, “Ἡ γὰρ ἀληθινὴ προσευχὴ οὐ χείλεσι μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ καρδίᾳ συνίσταται” (Hē gar alēthinē proseuchē ou cheilesi monon, alla kai kardiā sunistatai), meaning “True prayer consists not only of lips, but also of heart.” (Athanasius, *Epistola ad Marcellinum*, 12). We see here the Patristic emphasis on the internal disposition, the true intention behind prayer. How often do our prayers become mere recitations? Let this verse be a call to offer praise that truly reflects the devotion of our hearts. Consider how our dohost service can help you grow spiritually.

Spiritual Application: Ask yourself: Am I truly engaging my heart when I pray and offer thanks? Do I approach God with a spirit of humility and reverence, or do my words feel empty and routine? Strive to cultivate a deeper connection with God through heartfelt prayer and thanksgiving.

Verse 2: I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (KJV)

Verse 2: I will worship toward Your holy temple, And praise Your name For Your lovingkindness and Your truth; For You have magnified Your word above all Your name. (NKJV)

The “holy temple” in David’s time likely refers to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God’s presence was believed to dwell. Worshipping “toward” the temple signifies a directed intention, a yearning for communion with God. The psalm emphasizes God’s “lovingkindness” (hesed) and “truth” (emeth) – two fundamental attributes that define His relationship with humanity. “Hesed” speaks of God’s steadfast, covenantal love, a love that persists despite our shortcomings. “Emeth” speaks of His faithfulness, His reliability, and the trustworthiness of His promises. The phrase “thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name” is profound. It suggests that God’s Word, His revelation to us, is even more precious than His reputation or any name we might use to address Him. This ties directly into our Coptic Orthodox understanding of the Incarnation – the Word (Logos) becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14). St. Cyril of Alexandria expounds upon this concept, stating, “Οὐ γὰρ ἄλλο τί ἐστιν ὁ Λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ, εἰ μὴ αὐτὸς ὁ Θεὸς ὤν” (Ou gar allo ti estin ho Logos tou Theou, ei mē autos ho Theos ōn) – “For the Word of God is nothing other than God Himself.” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on John*, Book I). This magnifies the importance of studying and meditating on the Scriptures, allowing God’s living Word to transform us.

Spiritual Application: Make a conscious effort to engage with Scripture daily. Don’t just read the words; allow them to penetrate your heart and mind, shaping your thoughts, actions, and beliefs. Reflect on God’s “hesed” and “emeth” – His unwavering love and faithfulness – and allow these attributes to inspire your trust and devotion. Visit a nearby holy temple for worship.

Verse 3: In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. (KJV)

Verse 3: In the day when I cried out, You answered me, And made me bold with strength in my soul. (NKJV)

This verse highlights the personal, intimate relationship between the psalmist and God. “In the day when I cried thou answeredst me” speaks to the immediacy and responsiveness of God’s presence in times of need. It’s a testament to the power of prayer and the assurance that God hears and answers our cries for help. The phrase “strengthenedst me with strength in my soul” emphasizes the inner transformation that occurs when we turn to God. It’s not merely a physical or external deliverance, but a bolstering of the spirit, a resilience that empowers us to face adversity with faith and courage. In the book of Sirach (35:17), we read, “The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and it will not be comforted until it reaches the Lord; it will not desist until the Most High takes notice.” This echoes the psalmist’s experience of God’s attentive ear and responsive grace. The soul can find a refuge in our online resources.

Spiritual Application: Reflect on times in your life when you cried out to God and experienced His presence and strength. Remember that God is always near, ready to listen and provide comfort and guidance. Cultivate a consistent prayer life, trusting that He will answer you according to His perfect will.

Verse 4: All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of thy mouth. (KJV)

Verse 4: All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord, When they hear the words of Your mouth. (NKJV)

This verse shifts to a prophetic vision of universal worship. The psalmist envisions a time when “all the kings of the earth” will praise God, not through coercion or political necessity, but because they have “heard the words of thy mouth.” This speaks of the transformative power of God’s Word to touch hearts and inspire genuine devotion, even among those in positions of power and influence. This also finds fulfillment in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19-20, where Christ commands his followers to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” The spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, and then to the far reaches of the world, fulfills this prophetic vision. The key point here is that the kings praise God only when they “hear the words of Thy mouth,” a reminder that true faith comes through encountering the revealed truth of God.

Spiritual Application: Recognize the transformative power of God’s Word. Share the Gospel with others, knowing that it has the power to change hearts and inspire genuine faith. Pray for those in positions of authority, that they may be open to hearing and obeying God’s Word.

Verse 5: Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord: for great is the glory of the Lord. (KJV)

Verse 5: Yes, they shall sing of the ways of the Lord, For great is the glory of the Lord. (NKJV)

Building upon the previous verse, this verse emphasizes the joyful nature of praising God. “They shall sing in the ways of the Lord” suggests that their praise will be an expression of their understanding and appreciation of God’s attributes and actions. “For great is the glory of the Lord” is a declaration of God’s inherent majesty and splendor. It’s a reminder that He is worthy of all honor and praise. This glory isn’t merely aesthetic or external; it’s the manifestation of His divine nature, His power, His wisdom, and His love. The *Didache*, an early Christian manual of teaching, instructs believers to “Give thanks to God for His holy name, which He has caused to dwell in our hearts.” This highlights the importance of internalizing God’s presence and allowing His glory to permeate our lives.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a spirit of joy and gratitude in your heart. Allow your praise to be an expression of your appreciation for God’s greatness and His actions in your life. Seek to understand God’s “ways” – His character, His commandments, and His purposes – and allow this understanding to deepen your love and devotion.

Verse 6: Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. (KJV)

Verse 6: Though the Lord is on high, Yet He regards the lowly; But the proud He knows from afar. (NKJV)

This verse underscores God’s paradoxical nature. He is “high,” meaning exalted, transcendent, and infinitely above us. Yet, He “hath respect unto the lowly,” meaning He cares for the humble, the vulnerable, and those who are marginalized. This highlights the importance of humility in our relationship with God. “But the proud he knoweth afar off” is a stern warning against arrogance and self-sufficiency. God sees the proud, but He does not draw near to them. Their pride creates a barrier, hindering their ability to receive His grace and guidance. Abba Poemen, one of the Desert Fathers, said, “Pride does not allow a man to be perfect. I do not know a fall that is worse than pride.” The Desert Fathers were masters of humility; they understood that pride obstructs the path to spiritual growth and union with God.

Spiritual Application: Cultivate humility in your thoughts, words, and actions. Recognize your dependence on God and avoid prideful boasting. Seek to emulate Christ, who humbled Himself even to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Be mindful of those who are marginalized and vulnerable, and extend compassion and support to them.

Verse 7: Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. (KJV)

Verse 7: Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. (NKJV)

This verse offers reassurance and hope in the face of adversity. “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me” speaks to God’s ability to sustain and restore us even in the midst of trials and tribulations. The phrase “thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies” conveys God’s protection and defense against those who seek to harm us. “And thy right hand shall save me” reinforces the idea that God is our ultimate rescuer, our refuge in times of danger. The image of God’s “right hand” is significant; it symbolizes His power, authority, and justice. This verse echoes the promises of Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” In the midst of life’s inevitable challenges, we can find solace and strength in knowing that God is with us, protecting us, and ultimately saving us.

Spiritual Application: When you face trials and tribulations, remember God’s promise to revive and protect you. Trust in His power to deliver you from harm. Seek refuge in prayer and allow His peace to calm your fears and anxieties. Acknowledge the trials ahead and seek his support at our support resource page.

Verse 8: The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. (KJV)

Verse 8: The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. (NKJV)

This final verse expresses unwavering faith in God’s ultimate purpose and enduring love. “The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me” suggests that God is actively working to bring about His good and perfect will in our lives. Even when we face setbacks or uncertainties, we can trust that He is guiding us toward His intended destiny. “Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever” is a powerful affirmation of God’s steadfast love and compassion. This isn’t a fleeting emotion, but an enduring attribute of His character. “Forsake not the works of thine own hands” is a humble plea for God’s continued presence and provision. It acknowledges that we are His creation, His workmanship, and that we depend on His grace for our very existence. St. Augustine of Hippo famously prayed, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” This expresses the inherent longing within each of us to be united with God, to be perfected by His grace, and to experience the fullness of His love.

Spiritual Application: Trust that God is working in your life, even when you don’t understand His ways. Rest in the assurance of His enduring mercy. Pray for His continued guidance and provision, acknowledging your dependence on His grace. Seek union with Him through prayer, Scripture reading, and participation in the sacraments of the Church. Remember, God is working even when we can’t see it.

Subtopic Sections ✨

Let’s break down the key teachings of Psalm 138 into easily digestible points:

• Authenticity in Worship: Genuine worship springs from a whole heart, not mere lip service. It involves engaging our emotions, our intellect, and our will in a sincere expression of love and devotion to God.
• The Supremacy of God’s Word: God has magnified His word above all His name, emphasizing the importance of Scripture as the primary means of encountering His truth and experiencing His presence.
• God’s Attentiveness to the Humble: Humility is a key virtue in our relationship with God. He regards the lowly and draws near to those who acknowledge their dependence on Him, while He remains distant from the proud.
• Divine Protection in Times of Trouble: God promises to revive and protect us in the midst of adversity. We can trust in His power to deliver us from harm and to sustain us through trials and tribulations.
• The Assurance of God’s Perfecting Work: God is actively working to bring about His good and perfect will in our lives. We can trust that He is guiding us toward His intended destiny, even when we face setbacks or uncertainties.
• The Enduring Nature of God’s Mercy: God’s mercy is steadfast and unwavering. We can rest in the assurance of His enduring love, knowing that He will never abandon us.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Psalm 138 and its relevance to our lives:

• Q: What does it mean to praise God with my “whole heart”?
  A: Praising God with your “whole heart” means engaging your entire being – your emotions, intellect, and will – in a sincere expression of love, gratitude, and devotion. It’s about offering God genuine worship that springs from the deepest core of your being, not just reciting empty words.
• Q: How can I cultivate humility in my life?
  A: Cultivating humility involves recognizing your dependence on God, acknowledging your limitations, and avoiding prideful boasting. It also means treating others with respect and compassion, regardless of their status or background. Practice gratitude, serve others, and remember that all good things come from God.
• Q: What if I don’t feel like praising God?
  A: Even when you don’t “feel” like praising God, it’s still important to offer Him your worship. Start by acknowledging His goodness and faithfulness in your life. Focus on His attributes – His love, His mercy, His power – and allow these reflections to stir up gratitude in your heart. Sometimes, the act of praising God can actually change your feelings and draw you closer to Him.
• Q: How does Psalm 138 relate to the Coptic Orthodox faith?
  A: Psalm 138 resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on heartfelt prayer, humility, and trust in God’s providence. The psalm’s themes of divine love (agape), unwavering faithfulness, and the importance of Scripture align with core Coptic Orthodox beliefs. The psalm is often recited during liturgical services, reminding us of God’s constant presence and care for His people.

Conclusion ✨

Psalm 138 offers a powerful message of thanksgiving, humility, and unwavering trust in God. It challenges us to examine the authenticity of our worship, to cultivate humility in our hearts, and to rest in the assurance of God’s enduring love and protection. By meditating on this psalm, we can deepen our relationship with God and experience the transformative power of His grace. This psalm is a guide to giving thanks with a whole heart, understanding that gratitude is the foundation of a strong, thriving faith and the cornerstone of a life lived in harmony with God’s will. Embrace the teachings within and let them shape your prayers, your actions, and your entire being. Giving thanks with a whole heart is a gift we give to God, and the act of doing so will change everything in our lives and perspectives.

Tags

God, Thanksgiving, Praise, Humility, Coptic Orthodox, Prayer, Scripture, Faith, David, Psalm 138

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Explore Psalm 138, a powerful song of thanksgiving, with a verse-by-verse commentary rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition. Discover how to give thanks with a whole heart and cultivate a deeper relationship with God.