Psalm 115: A Psalm of Praise
THIS PSALM PRAISES God as the one true Lord and ridicules the many cheap imitations and pretenders to the throne that prevail in the surrounding culture. The liturgical exchange between people and priests in this psalm makes it a very appropriate lead-in for public worship. In this liturgy, the cares and snares of the world are left behind and the people are called to trust God, who will abundantly bless them and receive the praise of his people.
Warming Up to God
When has God seemed distant or unresponsive to you (in the past or present)? Open yourself up to the possibilities of God blessing you and your family afresh.
Read Psalm 115. »
Discovering the Word
- Note that this psalm divides into five parts: three stanzas spoken by the respondents—a taunt song (vv. 1-8), confession of trust (vv. 12-13) and the closing doxology (vv. 16-18)—interspersed with an invocation (vv. 9-11) and benediction (vv. 14-15) spoken by the priests. What does this response-and-revelation rhythm call forth from the worship participants and leaders?
- How do the idols that others worship compare to the God that Israel worships (vv. 1-8)?
- Why should anyone, but especially Israel, trust in the Lord (vv. 9-11)?
- Who will the Lord bless, why and how (vv. 12-15)?
- What is the reason for living granted to those who have survived the exile and a whole lot more (vv. 16-18)?
Applying the Word
- The Lord is not the only person or object that people trust to get them through the day. What else do people trust in these days for their salvation or their guidance?
- For what have you recently trusted God alone to provide?
- How did God prove to be your help and shield?
Responding in Prayer
Consider how vastly superior God is to all idols. Ask God to help you forsake the idols of your culture.
For Further Study
Breaking the Idols of Your Heart by Dan B. Allender & Tremper Longman III