THE MAJESTY OF GOD’S NAME
Psalm 138:1–8
How do you know when you are ready to worship? Is it when you arrive at the church campus at a designated time? Could it be that worship commences in your mind with the first sound of a note from an instrument or an invitation to stand and lift your voice in song?
While each of these is important, they speak primarily to the planned or outward expressions of a person. There is nothing wrong with corporate or planned worship. It is biblical and beneficial, and it breeds unity within a church family. However, it should not be the only time we worship.
The Psalms penned by David are filled with themes of God’s majesty and glory. For David, worship was a lifestyle, not simply an event. David both understood and exhibited the fact that genuine worship is intentional.
Can the same be said of us? Outside of your church’s worship times, are you making worship a daily priority in your life?
God’s name is exalted because of His love and truth. (1–3)
David states in these verses that he will praise God, sing unto Him and worship Him. While many churches today wrestle with the content of their worship, David reminds us that the object of our worship is more significant than the style.
Worship can be expressed in a variety of ways, with music being one. Our worship should not be driven by our feelings, but rather by our intimate and growing love and thanksgiving to God. Verse 2 is best translated, “I will bow down.” One day all will bow to the name of Jesus and confess that He is Lord.
In our churches, some may not be physically able to easily bow or stand up, but we can all practice the posture of a humble, grateful and submissive heart. True worship is an encounter with the Sovereign, not just an experience with a song.
God’s name is exalted because of His promises. (4–5)
Throughout the Old Testament, godly and ungodly kings alike recognized the power of the God of Israel. Pharaohs of Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and Darius of Persia each understood the magnitude of what God could do. Consider as children of God how much more we can recognize the provisions and glory of our great God. As believers, He reveals Himself to us, redeems us, secures us for eternity and provides His Word for us freely when we seek it. His promises alone should result in an eagerness to worship Him.
God’s name is exalted because of His care for the humble. (6–8)
Our mighty, omnipotent Father is high and lifted up, yet His great love is shown to the lowly and the humble. His benevolent mercy for us underscores His greatness, not ours. Everything God provides for His children is a result of His faithfulness and love. His love endures forever. It is a liberating and powerful realization when we acknowledge we can never let God down. The reason we could never let Him down is that we were never holding Him up to begin with. We may fail but our God cannot. That is why we worship and the reason we have a song to sing.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi