“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
One by one, Jesse’s son’s stood before the prophet, little did they know a king would be anointed that day. Each one passed, except the last, no one seemed to notice the small shepherd boy still tending sheep on the hill. When the ruddy young man approached Samuel, the Lord confirmed that he was to be the one.
David was overlooked by his father and brothers, but the Lord saw something in him that others could not see. A heart that was tender towards God, the heart of a lion, willing to tackle whatever obstacle was placed before him, no matter how terrifying the beast, or imposing the giant. The lowly was lifted up and set upon a throne.
Psalm 138: 1-2 “I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
The “gods” might have been judges or rulers in the land. When you’re lowly, everyone seems exalted. The Lord was David’s advocate, from a young boy until the day of his death. In like manner the false god’s of the region surrounded him, and yet David remained steadfast in his worship of the Lord. No compromise. No fear. No matter how many people had turned aside, he would be a testimony of the greatness of God.
Psalm 138:3 “On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.”
When the situation became more than he could bear, David knew who to call. The Lord remained faithful all of his life. Through all of his difficulties, amidst the shame and guilt, the key for David was that he always returned to the Lord. Whether in repentance or in praise, David recognized the Lord as sovereign over his life.
What is it that gives the Lord such delight as this? To lift up the lowly is to demonstrate power. The Lord has reminded us through generations of people how money, position, or power is not what God looks for in a person. Why do we seek after such things? The lies of the enemy exalt all that is self-seeking, giving a false hope of happiness. But the lowly reminds the world that no matter how insignificant you are, you have great value in God’s Kingdom.
Psalm 138:4-5 “All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.”
One day, all who have exalted themselves will be brought low. Before the great and awesome power of God, nothing will stand. All will bow before Him. For those who know Him, they will rejoice, and give thanks for they owe Him everything. But what can the lowly bring that the King of all kings does not already possess?
They give their hearts and lives to Him.
That is what He values. The incredible intricacy by which He formed you, knitted you in your mother’s womb, and breathed life into you, is precious to Him. You are far more than this world can measure. David knew this very well.
Psalm 138:6 “For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.”
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (Matt.5:3) When Jesus spoke these words, they must have been revolutionary for their time. They would have been ground breaking today. Mankind has wrestled with pride from the very beginning, elevating the strong, the privileged, and the powerful. In this day and age, knowledge has been worshipped and education is looked on as a savior.
When it’s all been said and done, what are we left with? The educated and the ignorant both find their end in the grave. There seems to be little distinction for length of days, regardless of the income or the honor. David was considered old and full of days at 70 years of age. Moses was full of days at 120 years of age. Rameses II (the great) died at 90 years of age. Of all the ways the kings of Egypt tried to persevere their lives or heritage, they all ended up as dry bones and distant memories. So whether one is pampered or hard pressed, the end of our days doesn’t seem to change.
What is it that carries value in life?
Psalm 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.”
Trust in the Lord, and your life is preserved forevermore. David didn’t die prematurely, the Lord had a plan for him and lead him to the end. Ultimatley, it was his soul that God preserved and he dwells now on high with the One who made him.
Psalm 138:8 “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
You are God’s workmanship, you were made for good works. Honor the Lord with your life and you will gain far more than this world can afford. The Lord will be faithful, He has proven it time and again.
He will lift you up, and you will not stumble, because He is your sure foundation.
U.T. 