Give Thanks to the Lord before Other "gods."

 

Psalm 138:

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.
3 On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.
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.

Our final psalm of thanksgiving is another by David. Throughout his life David had come into contact with other kings and their gods.  He had found that there was no other God like his - One Who hears and answers prayer, Who was always with him, and to Whom no other's glory would compare. Therefore, he was not afraid or ashamed to sing and speak His praises before these other kings or their idols.  May we give thanks to the Lord before all who watch and listen.