When praying through a psalm, I try to think through these questions:

• What is the situation that is driving the prayer?
• What does the one praying believe about God?
• Is there something in the situation that is causing a faith crisis?
• How does the one praying express their faith in God despite the crisis?
• Is there a promise that I need to know?
• How does this prayer point to Jesus?
• How is this prayer fulfilled in the new covenant?
• Does this prayer show up in the New Testament?

Psalm 138 is a short song of thanksgiving by David, only eight verses long. Thanksgiving is the primary driver of this song, but David does speak of “walking in the midst of trouble.”

Even though the song is short, David rejoices in the beauty and greatness of God with the following phrases: steadfast love, faithfulness, a name above all names, a word above all things, high but regards the lowly, powerful right hand, and eternal.

Since it is a song of thanksgiving, the faith crisis is in the past. The Lord has answered David when he called, increased the strength of his soul, preserved his life in the midst of trouble, stretched out his hands against his enemies, and delivered him with His right hand.

This song reminds us of the many reasons we have to trust the Lord in times of trouble. His steadfast love endures forever. He answers us when we call. He strengthens our soul. He regards the lowly. He preserves our lives. He delivers us.

Even in thanksgiving, David continues to express his faith in the Lord for the future. David is convinced that God will fulfill His purpose for him and will not forsake the work of His hands.

Because God is exalted above all things, the kings of the earth should also give Him thanks. In addition, this is why David loves to bow down and worship in the Temple of the Lord.

Though the psalm is not directly quoted by the apostolic authors of the New Testament, it does point towards Jesus and the new covenant in a couple of ways.

For instance, David wrote, “You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word” (2). This makes us think of Jesus who has a “name above all names” (Philippians 2.9) and who is called “the Word” by the apostle John (John 1.1). Not only does the Father have a name and a word above all things, but the Son, our Savior, also has this all-powerful name and word. And everything that is said of the LORD in this song can also be said of Jesus. His name is exalted above all things. His word is exalted above all things. Jesus is high but regards the lowly. Jesus delivered us by stretching out His hands.

Another connection is in verse 8, where David wrote, “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.” This reminds us that we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, for good works that He has prepared in advance to do (see Ephesians 2.10). God purposively created us, and the Lord who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (see Philippians 1.6).

What is the value of this prayer for new covenant Christians? When and why should we pray this prayer?

First, we are commanded to pray with thanksgiving (see Colossians 4.2), but this is an aspect of our prayer life that most of us pay little attention to. We need this song to help us see the many things we have to be thankful for. Not only are we thankful for who God is (steadfast love, faithful, all powerful) but also for how the Lord has used His power and love in our lives (strengthening our soul, preserving our lives, delivering us). We need to keep good records of the times that God has delivered, blessed, and preserved us in the midst of trouble. May we not be a “what have you done for me lately” kind of people.

Second, we may need this prayer in times of trouble. Have you ever wondered if God is paying attention to your trials, or cares about your pains, or is willing to lower Himself to help out little, insignificant you? This song reminds us of His great love and how He delivers the lowly. We can be encouraged by David’s prayer of thanksgiving.

Finally, we might use this prayer simply to rest under the steadfast love of the Lord. Even if we are not experiencing a time of trouble or in need of deliverance, to know that God will fulfill His purpose for us, that we are the work of His hands, and that He will not forsake the work of His hands is an incredible peaceful place to reside.

May we give thanks to the Lord for this Most High God blesses and keep our lowly lives.