HIGH ON LOVE
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Opening Prayer
I confess, Lord, that there are times when my prayers are more automatic than inspired by my relationship with you. Help me to come to you without distraction and with words heartfelt with praise and adoration.
Read PSALM 138
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
Of David.
1 I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
before the “gods” I will sing your praise.
2 I will bow down toward your holy temple
and will praise your name
for your unfailing love and your faithfulness,
for you have so exalted your solemn decree
that it surpasses your fame.
3 When I called, you answered me;
you greatly emboldened me.
4 May all the kings of the earth praise you, Lord,
when they hear what you have decreed.
5 May they sing of the ways of the Lord,
for the glory of the Lord is great.
6 Though the Lord is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly;
though lofty, he sees them from afar.
7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life.
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes;
with your right hand you save me.
8 The Lord will vindicate me;
your love, Lord, endures forever—
do not abandon the works of your hands.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How beautiful are the sounds of praise, hearts stirred deeply experiencing God’s unfailing love. Read Psalm 138 slowly … savoring the heart of God. Now reread it aloud, praising God.To praise ‘with all my heart’ in biblical times implied a wellspring of emotions, courage, and all that was life-giving, erupting from deep inside. Today’s psalm epitomizes this. The psalmist’s voice exuberantly sings his gratitude for God’s help (vv. 1–5). Note the psalmist’s animated invitation for all nations to join in worshipping the Lord (vv. 4, 5). He is unapologetic and unabashed in his worship, lost in the wonder of the Lord. As you read, identify which phrases speak to your own experience of knowing God, even in times of trouble (v. 7).
It is difficult for praise to come easily to hearts which are deceitful and closed, hiding betrayal and apostasy. Perhaps you have noticed that when bitterness, cynicism, or hurt enters your heart, you can feel like an observer in worship, rather than being able to participate in a heartfelt way. Let’s choose to seek God’s help to overcome this so that we can rediscover the spirit of overflowing, heartfelt worship that we find in this psalm: ‘Your love, Lord, endures forever’ (v. 8).
Apply
What holds you back from worshipping? Challenge yourself today and dance as you read this psalm. Use arms or feet (or both) to express your love to God.
Closing prayer
Forgive me, Lord God, for those times when my enthusiasm for worship wanes, no matter what the reason. Keep me ever-mindful of your goodness and faithfulness to me—and my need to praise you.
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