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Praise for the Mighty Works of God

Psalm 115, 116, 117, & 118

In Psalm 115, the psalmist contrasts the living God with the false idols of the world. The idols are powerless, made by human hands, and incapable of action. In contrast, the Lord is sovereign over all things, and His will is carried out in perfect wisdom. The psalmist calls the people of Israel to trust in God alone, to place their hope in Him, and to acknowledge that God is the true source of help and strength. This psalm challenges us to examine our own hearts and identify any idols—things or desires that we might elevate above God—and to reaffirm our trust in His greatness and ability to provide for us.

Psalm 116 is a deeply personal expression of gratitude for God’s deliverance. The psalmist recounts how God heard his cries for help in times of distress and delivered him from the brink of death. In response, the psalmist vows to walk before the Lord in the land of the living, offering sacrifices of thanksgiving. This psalm highlights the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and expressing our gratitude through worship and commitment. Just as the psalmist experienced God's merciful deliverance, we too are called to respond with hearts full of praise and lives dedicated to His service.

Psalm 117 is the shortest chapter in the book of Psalms, yet it holds a powerful message. It calls all nations and peoples to praise the Lord for His steadfast love and faithfulness. The psalmist recognizes that God's grace extends beyond Israel to all the nations of the world. This psalm is a reminder that the gospel is for all people, and the mission of the church is to bring the good news of God's love to every corner of the earth. It also invites us to consider the global scope of God's redemptive plan and to rejoice in the fact that we are part of this larger story of worship and praise.

Psalm 118 is a triumphant song of praise, celebrating God's deliverance and faithfulness. The psalmist reflects on times of trouble and how God has brought him through difficult circumstances. The famous verse, "This is the day which the Lord hath made," encourages us to rejoice in God's daily provision and sovereignty. The psalm also speaks of the rejected stone becoming the cornerstone, a prophetic reference to Christ's coming as the foundation of the church. The psalmist concludes by acknowledging God's goodness and giving thanks for His enduring love. This psalm is a powerful reminder to celebrate God's victories and to trust in His faithfulness, no matter the circumstances.

The psalms we’ve studied remind us of key truths about God's character. Psalm 115 calls us to trust in God alone, rejecting the idols of this world. Psalm 116 expresses gratitude for God's deliverance, urging us to respond with thankful hearts. Psalm 117 extends God's invitation for all nations to worship Him, emphasizing the global scope of His redemptive plan. Psalm 118 celebrates God’s faithfulness, inviting us to rejoice in His daily provision and the victory we have in Christ. Together, these psalms encourage us to place our trust in the living God, offer Him praise, and live in light of His redemptive work in the world.

Reflection Questions:

  • Psalm 115 contrasts God with idols. Are there areas in your life where you might be trusting in things or people more than in God?

  • Psalm 116 speaks of personal deliverance. Can you recall times when God has answered your prayers and delivered you from trouble? How can you express your gratitude to Him?

  • Psalm 117 calls for the praise of all nations. How can you participate in spreading God's message of salvation to the nations, both locally and globally?

  • Psalm 118 celebrates God’s victory and the significance of the "cornerstone." How does the recognition of Jesus as the cornerstone affect your understanding of your role in God’s plan?

  • Psalm 118 encourages rejoicing in the day the Lord has made. How can you develop a habit of rejoicing in God’s daily provision and sovereignty over your life?