The Less than Ideal God

by Pastor MEng Chiam

Psalm 138
Lord, I will praise you with all my heart. In front of those who think they are gods I will sing praise to you. I will bow down facing your holy temple. I will praise your name, because you are loving and faithful. You have honored your name and your word more than anything else. When I called out to you, you answered me. You made me strong and brave. Lord, may all of the kings on earth praise you when they hear about what you have promised. Lord, may they sing about what you have done, because your glory is great. The LORD is in heaven. But he watches over those who are free of pride. He knows those who are proud and stays far away from them. Trouble is all around me, but you keep me alive. You reach out your hand to put a stop to the anger of my enemies. With your powerful right hand you save me. Lord, you will do everything you have planned for me. Lord, your faithful love continues forever. You have done so much for us. Don't stop now.

Do our less than ideal situation hinder God to do out His work in us?
Absolutely Not

When we read Psalm, we have an eschatological hope. God accomplishes his perfect plan for our lives despite our less than ideal condition.

I Will (is a human commitment)
- be Thankful (vs 1-3)

# Wholeheartedness
"I will give thanks, I Lord, with all my heart"

# have great Boldness
"I will sing your praises before the gods"

# come in Surrender
"I bow before your holy Temple as I worship"



They Will (no choice)
- be Faithful (vs 4-6)

# His glory is very great
"Every king in all the earth will thank you, lord, for all of them will hear your words. Yes, they will sing about the Lord's way for the glory of the Lord is very great"

Philippians 2:9-11
"So God lifted him up to the highest place. He gave him the name that is above every name. When the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone's knee will bow to worship him. Every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow to worship him. Everyone's mouth will say that Jesus Christ is Lord. And God the Father will receive the glory."

# His knowledge is very sure
"though the lord is very great, he cares for the humble, but he keeps his distance from the proud"

2 Timothy 2:19
"But God's solid foundation stands firm. Here is the message written on it. "The Lord knows who his own people are." Also, "All who say they believe in the Lord must turn away from evil."

1 Peter 5:6-7
"So don't be proud. Put yourselves under God's mighty hand. Then he will honor you at the right time. 7 Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you."



You Will (Will of Promise)
- be Hopeful (vs 7-8)

# His divine protection and power
"Trouble is all around me, but you keep me alive. You reach out your hand to put a stop to the anger of my enemies. With your powerful right hand you save me."

# His divine plan
"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"

Philippians 1:6
"I am sure that the One who began a good work in you will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns."