Translation: ESV
I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
True worship is given with one's whole heart, not partially.
▸The beginning of the Davidic psalms (138-145) emphasizes thanksgiving given with one's whole heart.
The beginning of the Davidic psalms (138-145) emphasizes thanksgiving given with one's whole heart. 'Before the gods' is a declaration that even in the presence of angels or pagan gods he will praise the LORD.
On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.
God's answer to prayer first manifests as strengthening the inner soul rather than changing external circumstances.
▸This shows that answered prayer is not merely solving a problem but strengthening the soul.
For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.
God is the God of reversal who regards the lowly and keeps the haughty at a distance.
▸The paradox that God who is high regards the lowly is the heart of this verse.
The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.
God as our maker will certainly fulfill the purpose of that creation and will not abandon his handiwork.
▸'The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me' is a confident confession that God will complete his purpose.