Psalms 138:8
The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
Psalms 138:8 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 138 is a song of praise from King David. He thanks God for answered prayer, for strength, and for the Lord’s faithful love. This verse closes the psalm with a confident prayer. David speaks as one who knows God personally and has seen His help in real trouble.
Meaning
The first line, “The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me,” means God will finish what He has begun. The Hebrew word for “perfect” carries the idea of bringing something to completion. David trusts that God will fulfill every purpose He has for his life. The second line, “thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever,” points to God’s covenant loyalty. His mercy is not a passing feeling but an everlasting commitment to His people. The final plea, “forsake not the works of thine own hands,” is a humble request. David knows he is God’s handiwork, so he asks God not to abandon the work He started.
Biblical connections
This verse connects with the wider Bible truth that God is both the author and the finisher of His work in believers. The apostle Paul expresses a similar confidence in Philippians 1:6, where he trusts that God, who began a good work, will complete it. Both passages rest on God’s character, not on human effort.
Application
Believers can rest in the certainty that God is actively working in their lives. When tasks seem unfinished or plans fail, this verse reminds us that God’s purposes will stand. We can pray this verse as our own, asking God to complete what concerns us and to show His mercy each day. Because God’s mercy never ends, we never face a situation where His help runs out.
Reflection
David’s prayer teaches us to depend on God’s faithfulness, not our own strength. We are the work of God’s hands, and He does not abandon what He has made. This truth gives us peace and courage to face tomorrow, knowing that the Lord who began His good work in us will surely finish it.
