You emboldened me
The concept of being emboldened by God suggests a divine impartation of courage and confidence. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, strength and courage were often sought from deities before battles or significant challenges. This phrase indicates that the psalmist receives inner strength directly from God, which is a recurring theme in scripture, as seen in Joshua 1:9 and 2 Timothy 1:7. It points to the transformative power of God's presence, which enables believers to face adversities with boldness. This empowerment can be seen as a type of Christ, who emboldens His followers through the Holy Spirit, as promised in John 14:16-17.

and strengthened my soul.
The strengthening of the soul implies a deep, spiritual fortification that goes beyond physical or emotional support. In biblical terms, the soul represents the innermost being of a person, encompassing their will, emotions, and intellect. This strengthening is a divine act that equips the believer to endure trials and maintain faith. The connection to other scriptures, such as Isaiah 40:29-31 and Ephesians 3:16, highlights the theme of God providing strength to the weary and empowering believers through His Spirit. This phrase also reflects the sustaining grace of God, which is a central tenet of Christian faith, ensuring that His followers are upheld in times of need.

David remembers a specific, memorable moment of prayer. It was “the day” trouble pressed in and he chose to cry out rather than cave in. Psalm 18:6 echoes the same crisis-moment: “In my distress I called upon the LORD… and my cry for His help reached His ears”. Psalm 86:7 confirms the pattern: “In the day of my distress I call on You, because You answer me.” Because Scripture is accurate and literal, we can be confident that the God who listened to David listens to us just as personally—whether the need is danger, doubt, guidance, or gratitude.

God’s reply was not theoretical; it was real, timely, and unmistakable. Jeremiah 33:3 promises, “Call to Me, and I will answer and show you great and unsearchable things you do not know,” while Isaiah 65:24 declares, “Even before they call, I will answer.” New-covenant believers share the same assurance in 1 John 5:14-15: if we pray according to His will, “He hears us… we already possess what we have asked.” The God of the Bible does not leave His children on hold; He responds with deliverance, direction, or inner peace—whatever most honors His name and blesses His people.

Answered prayer produced courage. God “emboldened” David, replacing fear with lion-hearted confidence. Scripture shows this pattern often: 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that God gives “a spirit… of power,” Proverbs 28:1 notes that “the righteous are as bold as a lion,” and Acts 4:31 records believers who, after prayer, “spoke the word of God boldly.” Practical ways He still emboldens:

• His presence—“the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).

• His promises—“The unfolding of Your words gives light” (Psalm 119:130).

• His Spirit—“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8).

Beyond courage, God fortified David’s inner life. Strength here is deep, durable resilience, the opposite of a fainting heart. Psalm 23:3 says, “He restores my soul,” while Ephesians 3:16 prays that we be “strengthened… in your inner being.” Waiting on the LORD renews that strength, as Psalm 27:14 counsels. When God strengthens the soul, believers find:

• Endurance to persevere through trials.

• Energy to worship and serve.

• Stability when emotions or circumstances swirl.

Psalm 138:3 shows a living cycle: we call, God answers, and His answer instills fresh courage and deep inner strength. What He did for David, He stands ready to do for every believer who trusts His faithful, literal promises today.

In my soul.--Or, at my desire.