What Makes You Tick?
Opening Prayer
“The Lord, the Lord … abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exod. 34:6). Give God praise for his greatness!
Read PSALM 115:1-18
[1] Not to us, O 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 the hands of men. [5] They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but they cannot see; [6] they have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but they cannot smell; [7] they have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but they 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] O house of Israel, trust in the LORD- he is their help and shield. [10] O 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 the house of 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 make you increase, 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 man. [17] It is not the dead who praise the LORD, those who go down to silence; [18] it is we who extol the LORD, both now and forevermore. Praise the LORD. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What contrast does the psalmist make here?At a job interview, my husband was asked, “What makes you tick, Mr. Williams?” He must have communicated different concerns from those of the other interviewees. In today’s psalm, God’s people have different values from those who are not his people. Most want a god made in their own image (4-7). Our God is different—and that shows in his people. He is the Maker, the one in control, the one who acts (3,15).
The Israelites stupidly turned from the living God to a useless piece of metal (Exod. ch. 32). The psalmist points out that if we turn to our idols, it makes our lives just as useless as they are (8). On the other hand, trusting in the one true, living God brings blessing, his help and protection (12). The promise is for everyone who trusts in him (11,13). And he is not a fierce tyrant, but a loving, generous God who gives us families and the whole earth to enjoy (14,16)—gifts that we should use well. The idol worshiper ends up dead (17). Those who trust in the Lord will end up praising him “both now and for evermore” (18).
Apply
Recall how God has brought you “blessing, help and protection.” Spend a moment in praise and thanksgiving.
Closing prayer
Lord, You and You alone are God. Keep my heart true to You and my spirit always praising You.
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