Bible Study Notes 11/11/2025

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2025

Journey in the Psalms: Prayer, Praise and Promise

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Tracy M. Summer, Psalms: An All-In-One Study on God’s Song Book

Lesson 28

11 Nov.  2025

Lesson 28, Psalm 138:1-8 NLT: This psalm likely reflects the period in David’s life between his reign as king of Judah, and his ascension to the throne of all Israel.  This was a very turbulent time in David’s life, where he was constantly in danger of assassination. The target of King Saul who despised David and did not want him to become king of Israel, David on occasion found refuge in the enemy’s camp.    Reflecting on this period of his life, David extoled His love for God and the value of praising and worshiping Yahweh. Tough times can teach us much about God’s great love and mercy. David’s confidence in God’s care and protection permits him to envision a future where all living (leaders and the public) will extol the greatness of God. David believed in a day when the whole earth this would praise God. Many see this in David’s dying prayer in Psalm 72:19 where he says, “Let the whole earth be filled with His glory, Amen and Amen.” Our praise of God should never be suppressed, and out worship never stifled.

Verses & Explanations for Psalm 138:1-8, NLT

Observe         Interpret     Apply

(Verses 1-3) – A full sincere praise and worship of God.

(Verses 4-6) – All inhabitants of the earth will praise God.

(Verses 7-8) – Confidence in God’s help and protection.

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!:

1. “Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!” - Psalm 119:105

Key Verses:

Psalm 138:1-3, NLT 

¹ “I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart; I will sing your praises before the gods. ² I bow before your holy Temple as I worship. I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness; for your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.  ³  As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.

Psalm 138:4-6 NLT 

⁴  Every king in all the earth will thank you,  Lord, for all of them will hear your words.  ⁵  “Yes, they will sing about the Lord’s ways, for the glory of the Lord is great ⁶  Though the Lord is great, He cares for the humble, but He keeps his distance from the proud.

Psalm 138:7-8 NLT 

⁷ Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.  ⁸ The Lord will work out His plans for my life – for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.”

Further Helpful Verses:

Psalm 150:6, NLT

⁶ “Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!” 

Jeremiah 29:11-12, NLT

¹¹ “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. ¹²  In those days when you pray I will listen.”                                       

Philippians 2:10-11 NLT

 ¹⁰ “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth; ¹¹  and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the father.”