I’d Like to Thank . . .

Read Psalms 113:1–115:18

1. Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.
2. Why let the nations say, “Where is their God?”
3. Our God is in the heavens, and he does as he wishes.
4. Their idols are merely things of silver and gold, shaped by human hands.
5. They have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see.
6. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell.
7. They have hands but cannot feel, and feet but cannot walk, and throats but cannot make a sound.
8. And those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them.
9. O Israel, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield.
10. O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield.
11. All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord! He is your helper and your shield. Psalm 115:1-11

Everyone is, to an extent, indebted to someone else for teaching them a valuable lesson or skill. Some acknowledge that person’s contribution, while others take all the credit themselves for their achievements and success.

Psalm 115 deals with giving credit where it’s due. The author of this psalm makes absolutely sure that God is given the glory for the success he sees around him. There are no false claims to fame here. As you read, learn the lesson about glorifying your Lord.

Other psalms here also give the glory to God. Psalm 113 praises God for his care for the poor, weak, and needy. Psalm 114 celebrates God’s help in our lives.

The writer of Psalm 115 asked that God’s name, not the nation’s, be glorified (Psalm 115:1). Note the lack of false humility—this writer could do nothing but call attention to God’s greatness and sincerely praise him.

It’s natural to want to take credit for something we’ve accomplished. Instead, we should ask God to glorify his name, not ours. No one can fault us for leaving a good impression as a by-product of doing our duty; the problem comes when we try to get praise from others and withhold praise that belongs to God.

Before you pray, consider who will get the credit if God answers your prayer. Ask God to glorify his name through your achievements and success, not yours. Then when you do succeed, remember to give credit and thanks to God for his love and faithfulness.