Oct 26, 2024
The 2024 edition of Our Best Thought is inspired by our 2024 Bible Reading Plan and features writings thoughtfully crafted by contributors reflecting on their daily devotions. “Our Best Thought“ is taken from the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision” as a reference to God: “Thou my best thought, by day or by night.”
Reading: Psalm 115
Scripture:
Psalm 115:1-4,11
1 Not to us, 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 human hands.
11 You who fear him, trust in the Lord –
he is their help and shield.
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Observation:
This passages presents a contrast between the Lord, the true God of heaven, and the lifeless idols worshipped by surrounding nations. The psalm opens with a declaration that all glory belongs to God alone, not to any human or false deity, because of His steadfast love and faithfulness. The psalmist addresses the questions and doubts of other nations, reminding them that while idols are made by human hands and lack the power to speak, see, or act, the God of Israel is alive and active, doing what pleases Him.
The psalm repeatedly calls on the Israelites, the priests of Aaron, and we who revere God to place our trust in Him, acknowledging Him as our help and shield. This passage emphasises that only God is worthy of our trust, unlike idols that can neither respond nor protect.
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Application:
We live in a world full of “idols,” whether they be material belongings, accomplishments, or even loved ones, that we believe may fill us. As our living, loving, and faithful Father in heaven, this psalm serves as a reminder that only God is worthy of our undivided trust and that He is the only one who can truly fulfil us.
Just like Israel, we need to be mindful not to be lured into putting our hope in lifeless things. Instead, we’re called to remember that God is our help and shield. In a world filled with distractions, we are encouraged to honour and rely on God, who never fails and actively works for our good.
This passage also reminds us to give God all the glory in our lives. It’s easy to take credit for our successes, but we should reflect on the ways God’s faithfulness and love have been at work in our lives.
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Prayer:
Lord, thank you for Your grace and mercy toward us. I pray that You will help us keep our hearts fixed on You, our help and our shield. I pray that we will always be reminded to give glory to You in our daily lives. Help us not put our hope and trust on the empty promises of worldly idols but instead fix our hearts and our eyes on You, our awesome living God in heaven. Amen.