Psalms 138:8

Psalm 138:8 is a powerful declaration of trust and a heartfelt prayer, encapsulating the psalmist's unwavering confidence in God's faithfulness and enduring mercy. It speaks to the divine commitment to bring to completion all that concerns a believer, rooted in God's eternal character.

Context

Psalm 138 is a psalm of thanksgiving, likely composed by King David, expressing gratitude for God's answers to prayer and His providential care. It begins with David vowing to praise God before kings and ends with this profound statement of faith. The entire psalm reflects a deep personal relationship with the Almighty, acknowledging His greatness even amidst the world's rulers and challenges. Verse 8 serves as a climactic expression of assurance, building upon the earlier verses that speak of God's strength, glory, and attention to the humble.

Key Themes

• God's Faithfulness and Divine Completion: The phrase "The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me" speaks to God's commitment to complete the work He has begun in the psalmist's life. The Hebrew word for "perfect" here is gamar (גָּמַר), which means to bring to an end, complete, or fulfill. This isn't about human perfection, but God's divine providence and His steadfast purpose for His children. It assures us that God does not abandon His projects or His people. This echoes the New Testament promise that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.
• God's Enduring Mercy: "thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever" is a cornerstone declaration found throughout the Psalms. The Hebrew term for "mercy" is chesed (חֶסֶד), often translated as "steadfast love," "loving-kindness," or "covenant loyalty." It describes God's loyal, unfailing love that is eternally binding. This eternal mercy is the foundation for the psalmist's confidence that God will perfect His work. It's a truth repeatedly affirmed in Scripture, such as in Psalm 100:5.
• A Prayer of Humble Dependence: The concluding plea, "forsake not the works of thine own hands," is a beautiful expression of humility and reliance. It acknowledges God as the Creator and sustainer, appealing to His character. The psalmist reminds God, and himself, that he is God's handiwork, and therefore, God has a vested interest in his well-being and ultimate destiny. This aligns with the understanding that we are the clay, and God is our potter.

Practical Application

For believers today, Psalm 138:8 offers immense comfort and encouragement. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, working out His purposes. When faced with challenges, uncertainties, or feelings of inadequacy, this verse assures us that:

• God is Faithful to Finish: Whatever "concerns" us – our spiritual growth, our struggles, our future – God is committed to seeing it through to His perfect completion. We can rest in His divine providence.
• God's Love is Unfailing: Our hope is anchored not in our own strength or merit, but in God's eternal, unwavering chesed. His mercy is the constant upon which we can build our trust.
• We Are His Masterpiece: As "the works of thine own hands," we are deeply valued by God. He will not abandon those He has created and redeemed. This encourages us to submit our lives to His ongoing work, knowing He desires our good.

This verse serves as a powerful prayer for us to adopt: to trust in God's perfect plan, to lean on His everlasting mercy, and to humbly ask Him to continue His work in and through us.