Praise with my whole heart Psalm 138

David realizes this – Psalm 9:1, 86:12, 103:1-2, 111:1, etc. I will praise You (1-3) God demands our all Deuteronomy 6:4-5 Luke 10:27, Matthew 22:37 - When we love God it will be reflected in our obedience and praise to Him David realizes this – Psalm 9:1, 86:12, 103:1-2, 111:1, etc.

Before gods, I will sing praises to You Who are these gods? I will praise You (1-3) Before gods, I will sing praises to You Who are these gods? Could be false idols – David acknowledges the one true God Could be rulers – cf. Psalm 82:1, 6 (cf. John 10:34-35) Even facing an ungodly world, we must still unashamedly praise Him

Worship toward Your holy temple I will praise You (1-3) Worship toward Your holy temple Where do we find God? Psalm 99:9, 11:4 – His throne is in heaven (cf. Acts 7:49, Isaiah 66:1-2, Habakkuk 2:20 When we are praising Him with our whole heart, we will respect Him in worship as He commands us – John 4:24, 1 Corinthians 14:15

I will praise You (1-3) Praise His name His lovingkindness AND truth Psalm 12:6, 18:30, 56:4 His truth can also mean His faithfulness – He keeps His word! He can and does what He promises (1 Corinthians 10:13, Deut. 7:9, the faithful God who keeps His covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments)

I will praise You (1-3) His word magnified How does God magnify His word? By keeping it, through its wisdom, by its divine nature, etc. Is His word ABOVE His name? Both are of equal greatness - (according to all Your name - NASB ) David is showing due reverence to Him AND His word as it reveals His holy and awesome name – Psalm 111:9

David’s cause for praise - I will praise You (1-3) David’s cause for praise - The day I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul. Confidence in answered prayers

All kings will praise You (4-5) All the kings of the earth (could this be tied to the “gods” of vs. 2) Who are these praising Him? Specified and multiple nations? Cf. 2 Samuel 8:10, 5:11, 2 Kings 5 (Naaman), various empires that submitted to Him God’s sovereign rule – He will judge all mankind (Philippians 2:9-11) The future anticipated kingdom where all therein bow before Him.

All kings will praise You (4-5) All the kings of the earth They will praise Him when they hear the words of His mouth They will sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is His glory - Whatever the point, none can resist His ultimate will and judgment!

He regards the lowly (6-8) This is David’s confidence Though the LORD is on high (in heaven on His throne), yet He regards the humble God is not as haughty and powerful rulers. His ways are higher. He regards with care, justice, righteousness, mercy, grace, goodness and love! He is fair and notices the humble!

He regards the lowly (6-8) Humility – a crucial quality to pleasing Him! Matthew 5:3-5 Micah 6:8, He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?

He regards the lowly (6-8) Humility – a crucial quality to pleasing Him! Isaiah 57:15, For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

He regards the lowly (6-8) Humility – a crucial quality to pleasing Him! James 4:6-10 Why does God regard the humble? Because they listen to His word!

He regards the lowly (6-8) He knows the proud from afar! He knows what they are doing, but they are NOT in His presence Romans 12:3 Proverbs 16:5 Psalm 18:27, Psalm 147:6 Proverbs 18:12, Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility.

He regards the lowly (6-8) Even in the midst of trouble, He will revive and save those who belong to Him He knows what is going on, what you are enduring and why. Remember: Romans 12:18-21 – leave it in His hands Matthew 10:28 – don’t live in hopelessness and fear of man. Proverbs 3:5-6 – trust Him!

He regards the lowly (6-8) He will perfect (complete) that which concerns me! Do not forsake the works of Your hands!

Will you praise Him with your whole heart?