Scripture: Psalm 115

Key verse: (1) “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.”

Reflection: Today’s psalm is known as a Hallel psalm.  The word Hallel means “praise” and it is the first part of the phrase Hallel-ujah which means “Praise the LORD!”  Psalms 113-118 are considered praise psalms.  The themes in these psalms focus on giving praise to the LORD for God’s deliverance, sovereignty, and power which is seen in the grace and compassion God shows to all those in need.  Psalm 115 focuses on putting God at the center of our lives.  We are reminded that the LORD is not like other gods who are idols made of wood, silver and stone. Our God is alive and present.  Since we are prone to make gods in our own image, this psalm is a corrective to the notion that we are at the center of the universe.

It is so easy to worship other gods.  We get enticed by our possessions, our experiences and our position and power.  We often live for our own glory and not for the glory of God.  This is part of our struggle as human beings.  So, “not to us, LORD, not to us” is a helpful reminder to praise God for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. We can learn to be grateful for God’s presence in our lives as we embrace God’s love more fully.

Take some time today and think about ways you might re-order your life so that the LORD is at the center.

Prayer: Gracious God, we give thanks for your great love.  Be with us today as we seek to live as people who belong to you.  Help us tear down all the idols in our lives that keep us from giving praise to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Author: Deborah Conner

[Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved].