Show Don't Tell: Psalm 138

Instead of saying "David praised God for answering prayer," sing before the gods. Of David. "I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the 'gods' I will sing your praise." Before the gods—divine council or pagan deities—David sings. "I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame." Word above name—reputation built on reliability. "When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me." Called, answered, emboldened. "May all the kings of the earth praise you, LORD, when they hear what you have decreed. May they sing of the ways of the LORD, for the glory of the LORD is great." Kings singing—not just Israel. "Though the LORD is exalted, he looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, he sees them from afar." High God seeing low people. "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. The LORD will vindicate me; your love, LORD, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands."