You have heard of the “terrible twos.” But have you heard of the terrible “threes?” They are trials, tribulations, and troubles. David’s enemies (v. 7) brought him the “3-T’s.” However, King David made a great statement in Psalm 138 for each of us to grasp. Even though we face this trio, our Sovereign God will accomplish what He began in us (Philippians 1:6). Now that is an exciting truth.

When examining the text, three questions surface.  

Question 1 - How do trials, tribulations, and troubles flow into our lives? Three ways:

1. Through our own decisions – Our decisions to willfully sin, to make bad or hasty decisions, or sometimes deciding to not respond to something. The late Adrian Rogers, long time pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, brought the point home when he said in a sermon, every church member is active: either you are active in building up the church or active in tearing down the church.

2. Through other people’s actions – the wakes of other people’s actions or decisions ripple over our lives. David experienced this from his enemies (v. 7).

3. Through world events – Wars, famine, cataclysmic weather, national and global economic woes, all wash over our lives to some extent.

David cites the answer for us in the Psalm in verses 1-6. Meditate on the descriptive words: v. 1 “give thanks,” “sing praises;” v. 2 “bow down”, “magnification of His word;” v. 3 “bold with strength in my soul;” v. 4 “all kings will give thanks; ” v. 5 “they will sing for great is your glory;” v. 6 “God regards the lowly.”

Question 3: Why have the terrible three “T’s” come?

David answers the question in verse 8. So the Lord will accomplish what concerns me, David writes. In the trial, tribulation, or trouble, David states that the Lord still loves him and that he desires the works of God upon his life.

The lesson for us in the Psalm 138 is that we cling to God’s sovereign grace in the midst of our storms. We do not discontinue worshiping the Lord, but we magnify His name in even a greater way through our steadfastness. Have you ever started a project around the house that you did not complete? I have done just that. Last weekend I finished painting the outside shed and it looks great! It had scarred from being weather beaten. Finally, I took the time to complete the job to transform the eye-sore on our property. David is saying that he is a work in progress. God is not finished with him yet; He is still transforming the old king. In light of that, I am going to continue to worship my God, and I will give Him praise and glory through the transformation process. No, the terrible three “T’s” won’t defeat me; they will make be stronger and more like my Savior – Jesus.