S--Psalm 115
O--The psalmist makes sure his audience knows that anything Israel has accomplished has been from God, and He should receive the praise! God has been nothing but stubborn in His love and faithfulness to His chosen people. Other nations are confused by Israel's "lack" of idols, causing them to think they don't have a god. Oh, but they have a God, alright!! Other nations have idols that they've made with their own hands. But they don't speak, see, hear, smell, feel, walk, or talk. The people who worship these created idols become just like them; it's a one way conversation to an idol who has nothing to offer back. But God!! He builds a relationship with Israel that is two-sided. He is their help and their shield, He remembers them, He blesses them; and they in turn kneel before Him with respect, praise, and trust. They pray to a Living God who is able to bless and increase them throughout generations.
A--This chapter changes me in verses 16-18. The time we have on this earth is the time we have to praise God and to kneel before Him. In heaven, it won't be an option! But here, we get to choose to kneel before our God who created us. Our God is not like an idol or a statue, a created thing that has no feelings or ability to love or care for us. He is living and active in every part of His creation and especially in the lives of those He loves. We return respect and praise for His faithfulness and unwavering love by devoting our entire lives to Him, intentionally-- today and tomorrow and for the long haul.
K--I may choose You daily (and sometimes, I may not 😔), but the glory doesn't come to me when I do. . To Your Name only is the glory, because any choice I make can only come through Your power!! Praise the Lord.
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