Psalms Reading – 4.16.2022
Psalm 115
1 Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory,
because of your love and faithfulness.
2 Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him.
4 But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands.
5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see.
6 They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell.
7 They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk,
nor can they utter a sound with their throats.
8 Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
9 All you Israelites, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield.
10 House of Aaron, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield.
11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield.
12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel,
he will bless the house of Aaron,
13 he will bless those who fear the Lord— small and great alike.
14 May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children.
15 May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
16 The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind.
17 It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence;
18 it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord
This psalm is a great reminder that we are not to be glory-seekers. Because of God’s never-failing love and faithfulness, the Lord alone is to receive all the praise and honor.
Other pagan nations asked, where the God of the Israelites could be found. The answer was in heaven and from His lofty throne, God has the power to do anything that He wants to do.
In contrast to the greatness of the Maker of heaven and earth are those who make idols which they foolishly worship. Such idols are inanimate objects which can do absolutely nothing. Just as they are worthless so will all who bow to worship and put their faith in such lifeless creations.
However, the people of God choose to trust in the Lord because He alone is the one who can help and protect them. Because we are told this three times, that tells us to pay attention to this significant point being made.
Multiple more times he tells us that God blesses those who fear the Lord and put their trust in Him. The Lord alone can make us flourish in life. Just imagine the same God who created the magnificent glory of the universe is the one we call upon to bless, help, and protect us. As the heavens belong to Him so He has given us earth to enjoy as our home. This all speaks of God’s love for us!
This is why all glory goes to His name and not to us. May we be quick to offer God the praise and honor due His holy name.
Memory Verse: Psalm 115:1, Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.
Question(s) to Consider: What does this psalm speak to you about how God relates to those who worship and trust in Him? What does it motivate you to do?