December 15, 2009
WINS AND LOSSES
Psalm 138
Sharhonda Conner
Central Truth
God answers prayer and gives us the strength to face life's challenges.
Key Verse | Psalm 138:3
When I cried out for help, you answered me.
You made me bold and energized me.
(Psalm 138:3)
Psalm 138
Give Thanks to the LORD
Of David.
1
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;
before the gods I sing your praise;
2
I bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
for you have exalted above all things
your name and your word.
1
138:2
Or you have exalted your word above all your name
3
On the day I called, you answered me;
my strength of soul you increased.
2
138:3
Hebrew you made me bold in my soul with strength
4
All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD,
for they have heard the words of your mouth,
5
and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD,
for great is the glory of the LORD.
6
For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,
but the haughty he knows from afar.
7
Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
and your right hand delivers me.
8
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;
your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.
Do not forsake the work of your hands.
Dive Deeper | Psalm 138
1, 2, 3, AMEN! The volleyball players were focused on their prayer to play well and win, so focused that they said "amen" instead of our team's name at the end of the huddle. They won the game, not because prayer is a magical hocus-pocus, but because they allowed it to give them the courage and strength to play hard. We win some and lose some, but it's ultimately how we play the game that matters.
In times of loss we often focus on ourselves and try to figure out how we could have made the outcome different. Sometimes, no matter what we do, the outcome is not as we would desire. God uses those moments to stretch us to remember it's not in our hands, but His. We're not working for our glory, but His.
After any volleyball win, it's easy for pride to sneak in while we celebrate the key move, basket, or spike that led to the buzzer sounding victory. But Psalm 138:6 says that He recognizes the proud from afar. Not because He keeps us at arm's distance, but because pride grabs hold of our hands and leads us away from Him. When we draw near to Him, He "cares for the humble." (Psalm 138:6, NLT)
Life sometimes puts difficult opponents on the other side of the court. Some games we win, and some we lose. The true losses are the ones when we never step up to play because of fear. God faithfully answers our prayers because of who He is. Those answers can be yes, no, or not yet. Regardless of the answer, He accompanies it with strength and boldness to energize us to face the challenge. He is the Lord Most High, but He listens to the humble that bow at His feet.
Our response to wins and losses in life beyond the court give testament to His faithfulness. If you seek Him, He will answer you and give you the courage and strength to give your all for His glory.
Discussion Questions
1. What are some areas in which God is asking you to be bold and courageous for His name?
2. Are you praising God for what may seem like losses and thanking Him for the strength to endure?
3. What is one song that speaks to His deeds in your life?