I see something of the essence of worship in Psalm 138. Here in just 8 verses King David gives us a ‘worship primer’ with a great deal of substance.
I. Worship is essentially personal and corporate
On the personal side, David’s life was humbled and yielded. We see him inclined toward praise, determining to praise the Lord with all his heart (v.1), and prostrating himself before the Almighty (v.2). He is dependent upon God and is confident that God will answer him and provide for his needs (v.3).
David’s personal praise flows outward as he calls others to join him (v.5-6). David’s experience of God could not be contained to his personal devotional life. Having benefited from a lifestyle of praise, he desired that these benefits would be multiplied in the lives of many others. But a greater motivator was his desire that God’s glory would be declared on the earth, and other voices were needed for this.
David became a worship leader as he called others to join him, but his call had (and still has) power and effect because his own personal life of worship was rich.
II. God is both exalted and near
We worship a God who is exalted. He is holy, worthy, exalted above all (v.2). His immeasurable power and ability mean that he can do all things and his purposes will be fulfilled (v.3, 7, 8 ).
Yet the God we worship is always near. His love and faithfulness are ever extended to us (v.2), he is quick to help and empower those in need (v.3), and he looks kindly on the humble (v.6) whom he protects and saves (v.7). David knew God as one who was thoroughly involved in his life, working out his purposes for him in love and faithfulness (v.8).
David’s description of God as encapsulated in this psalm is wonderful. I find strength and comfort in reflecting upon the contrast between God’s greatness and his nearness. And I am inspired by David’s dedication to have his personal praise give rise to corporate expressions of exaltation. Whether we have the roll of worship leader, song writer, or a simple Christ follower wishing to please the Lord day by day, David models something worthy of following.
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Leading God’s people in worship is a high calling. In some parts of the world conferences, weekend gatherings and courses abound to empower, envision and equip people for this ministry. But still many people step into worship leading roles with little training and knowledge to accompany their heart to serve God with their musical gifts.