One Word at a Time: Psalm 138:8

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
— Psalm 138:8 (ESV)

Sometimes, we rush through verses without realizing the weight each word carries. Psalm 138:8 is one of those verses that’s rich with meaning, hope, and reassurance. Let’s take a moment to slow it down—one word at a time—and let it speak to us in new ways.

The examples below emphasize each word of the verse, one at a time. Read the words in caps with an emphasis and see how it speaks to you differently for each one.

THE Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.

It starts here. The Lord—not just any force, not a random deity, but the one true God. The one who created the heavens and the earth. The one who knows your name. There’s comfort in knowing it’s not just a lord, but the Lord who holds your life.

Who or what do we sometimes treat as “lord” in our lives instead of the Lord?

The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.

This is Yahweh—the covenant-keeping God. The personal God. He’s not far off. He sees you, hears you, knows you. He’s not just powerful—He’s also loving, consistent, and near.

What does it mean to you that the Lord is both powerful and personal?

The Lord WILL fulfill His purpose for me.

This isn’t a “maybe.” It’s a promise. He will. Even if it takes longer than expected. Even if the road winds through disappointment. Even if we can’t see how. God is faithful to complete what He starts.

Are there areas in your life where you need to be reminded of God’s “will”?

The Lord will FULFILL His purpose for me.

Not just begin it. Not just think about it. Fulfill it. That means completion. Wholeness. Fruit. What God starts, He finishes. You are not a half-finished project in His eyes.

Where do you need to trust that God is still at work—even when it feels slow?

The Lord will fulfill HIS purpose for me.

Not your boss’s. Not your neighbor’s. Not even your own best-laid plans. His purpose. And because He’s good, His purpose is good. Sometimes we chase other purposes thinking they’ll satisfy—but only His purpose brings peace.

How can you tell when you’re following His purpose rather than your own?

The Lord will fulfill His PURPOSE for me.

There is intentionality in your life. You’re not a mistake. You’re not here by accident. God has a purpose—a reason—for you being here today. And it’s not just about what you do, but who you are becoming in Him.

Do you believe your life has purpose today, even in the ordinary moments?

The Lord will fulfill His purpose FOR me.

Not against me. Not in spite of me. For me. He’s for you, not against you. His plans are to give you hope and a future. Sometimes we see God’s hand in hindsight—but He’s working even now, for you.

Where have you seen God work for you in the past, even when it didn’t feel like it?

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for ME.

Yes, you. This promise is personal. God’s purpose isn’t just for pastors, missionaries, or “spiritual” people. It’s for the guy who’s tired, the dad who’s overwhelmed, the man who’s trying his best. You matter to God.

What changes when you really believe God’s purpose includes you?

Closing Thoughts

When we break it down word by word, Psalm 138:8 becomes more than just a verse—it becomes a lifeline. Each word reminds us that God is intentional, personal, and faithful. His purpose is active, not passive. And it’s not just for someone—it’s for you.

Take a moment this week to write this verse out. Reflect on each word. Ask God to help you live in the truth of it—one word at a time.

Conversation Starters:

Which word stood out to you most in this verse?
How does emphasizing different words help you hear God’s promise in a fresh way?
Where in your life do you need to trust that God is still fulfilling His purpose?