What does Psalms 138:8 mean?
"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." - Psalms 138:8
"Psalms-138:8" from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads, "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
This verse is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God’s sovereignty and providence. The psalmist, traditionally believed to be King David, acknowledges God's attentiveness and care for His people, expressing trust in the Lord’s ability to bring to completion what He has started.
The verse begins with the affirmation, "The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me." This declaration affirms the psalmist's confidence in God’s ability to bring about the fulfillment of His promises and purposes for his life. The word "perfect" in this context means to bring to completion and to bring to a state of wholeness or maturity. The psalmist is assured that God will bring to a successful conclusion every concern and issue in his life, whether big or small. This assurance can be a great source of comfort and encouragement to believers, as it reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
The psalmist then acknowledges the enduring mercy of the Lord, proclaiming, "thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever." This statement emphasizes the unchanging and everlasting nature of God’s mercy and compassion. It serves as a beautiful reminder that we serve a God whose love and kindness towards His children never fails, regardless of our own shortcomings and failings. It is through God's mercy that He perfects that which concerns us, extending His grace and benevolence to us, and guiding us towards His perfect will.
The verse concludes with a plea to God, "forsake not the works of thine own hands." This plea reflects the psalmist's desire for God to continue His work in his life and to sustain and preserve him. It also serves as a recognition of God’s creative power, acknowledging that we are the works of His hands and dependent on His sustaining grace and providence.
In the larger context of the psalm, the theme of God’s faithfulness, protection, and guidance is prominent. The psalmist exalts the Lord for His faithfulness and steadfast love, declaring, "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee." (Psalms 138:1). This theme of praise and thanksgiving is woven throughout the entire psalm, serving as a testament to the psalmist's genuine and unwavering trust in God.
Symbolically, the verse can be seen as a reflection of the believer’s reliance on God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. The language of "perfecting" and "the works of thine own hands" evokes the image of God as the divine potter, shaping and molding His people according to His will (Isaiah 64:8). This imagery underscores the theme of surrender and trust, as the believer acknowledges the need for God's continued work in their lives.
Overall, "Psalms-138:8" is a profound declaration of faith in the Lord's providence and mercy, as well as a poignant reminder of His unchanging nature and steadfast love. It serves as an invitation to trust in God’s ability to perfect, sustain, and guide us, as we continue to journey in faith and obedience.
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Psalms 138:8 - "The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands."
"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." - Psalms 138:8
"The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands." - Psalms 138:8
Psalms 138:3 - "In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul."
"Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful." - Psalms 119:138
Psalms 138:5 - "Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD."
Psalms 119:138 - "Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful."
Psalms 138:1 - "I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee."
Psalms 138:4 - "All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth."
Psalms 138:6 - "Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off."
"Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great is the glory of the LORD." - Psalms 138:5
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1
Psalms 138:2 - "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name."
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1
I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. Psalms 138:1
Psalms 138:7 - "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me."
"In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul." - Psalms 138:3
"All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth." - Psalms 138:4
"I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee." - Psalms 138:1
"Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off." - Psalms 138:6
Psalms 49:8 - "(For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:)"
"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me." - Psalms 138:7
"All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;" - Psalms 8:7
"To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;" - Psalms 149:8
"But thou, LORD, art most high for evermore." - Psalms 92:8
Psalms 78:8 - "And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God."
"They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright." - Psalms 20:8
"Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together" - Psalms 98:8
"And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities." - Psalms 130:8