READ: Psalms 113-115
Psalm 113 gives us not only the challenge to praise God, but also the
reasons why praising Him makes sense. The Psalmist tells us about God’s
sovereignty over the earth. He sits above the heavens and earth, able to look
down on them. This clearly speaks to us of His magnificent size and strength.
Yet this awesome God reaches down into the dust of the earth to pick up the
poor and needy and sets them gently with the princes. We can imagine His large
fingers and hands gently reaching into a situation and carefully, carefully
picking up someone fragile and delicately placing them in a new spot. We see
His concern and care when His eyes fall on those who cannot bear children. He
knows the inner longing and pain, and longs to bless her.
In Psalm 115 it is clarified that God is not the same as any other God.
He cannot be compared. The gods of this world are created, and cannot hear or
see. They don’t walk and they don’t speak or even make sounds. The Psalmist
warns that those who make or serve these gods or idols will end up being just
like them. They will be dead and powerless, just like these gods. We may not
have solid gods of wood or metal (although some might) but we still have gods
of our own making. Gods of money, power, fame, popularity, pleasure and
entertainment, for example, are just a few of the gods we create. When we
pursue them, love them, serve them, and give our money and time to them we will
become just like them. Empty. Fickle. Weak.
The Lord, on the other hand, has the power to save and defend. Three
times the Psalmist says, ‘He is their
help and shield.’ This is because our God is not dead or made up. He is the
LORD. He is
worth putting your trust and faith in. He pours out blessing and gives children
to families.
JOURNALING
AND PRAYER
1.
Reflect on the many ways God has rescued you,
helped you and reached into your situations. Spend time praising Him. If you
find it helpful, try praising Him on your knees or by singing along to a few
praise or worship songs out loud.
2.
Ask the Lord if you have been serving or creating a
god of your own making. Listen carefully, and if so, confess it as sin. Ask Him
to show you the futility of that god, and to give you words, thoughts or
pictures about His power, might and love so you can turn away from the god you
have made / are making. If you have no other gods before Him, ask Him to keep
your heart pure and your life fully and wholly devoted to Him.
3.
What do you need shielding from today? Ask the Lord
to be your help and shield. Ask for a word, thought or picture to help you
fully grasp the depth and power of God’s help and shielding for you today.
