Psalm 115:1-3 "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake. (2) Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? (3) But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased."
We find instances throughout the Bible where individuals have tried to claim
glory for themselves. Let me just say, it didn't work out very well for them.
The Lord speaks to us through the Prophet Isaiah, "I am the LORD: that is
my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven
images." (Isaiah 42:8) Yet, men still try to lift themselves up before
others. The Psalmist was made to see that there is only One True and Living
God. Jesus tells us that eternal life is this: "... that they might know
thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John
17:3) You and I know this is true; yet, there are still numerous people on the
earth who question and try to challenge that truth.
There are so many people who still ask the question, "Where is now their
God?" They think their power comes from that which is made with men's
hands. If you read the next few verses in the 115th Psalm, you will see their
gods (idols) have eyes but they cannot see. They have ears but they cannot
hear. They have mouths but cannot speak. Well, you get the picture. They are
lifeless "things" that bear the image given to it by a man; yet there
is no power to save or help in any of them. Yet, these very people continue to
ask - "Where is your God?" Oh! We know that answer, don't we?
"... our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath
pleased." All power belongs to our God. All wisdom originates from Him.
The very universe itself cannot contain our God. This is the One to Whom
we say all glory belongs to our God.
"He has done whatsoever he hath pleased." I remember through the
times in my life when I anticipated reaching a certain age. I couldn't wait to
become a teenager. I couldn't wait to become 16 years old and get my drivers
license. I would be able to do anything I wanted then. BUT there was a
problem. I had to ask permission to use Daddy's car and there were limitations
placed on where I could go, how long I could stay, and what time I had to
return those car keys. Then I couldn't wait until I reached 21. Boy, when I got
21, I knew I would be able to do anything I wanted to do. I would be a man! BUT
there was a problem. I had to work in order to have money to put groceries on
the table and clothes on the family's backs. I had to do whatever the boss told
me to do. Then, I couldn't wait to retire. Well, I have reached that age and
guess what? I still can't do everything I thought I would be able to do. There
are restrictions of the old body having aches and pains, plus the financial
part of not drawing a paycheck anymore.
Hmmm! What is going on here? Well, the truth of the matter is found in verse 1
of today's Scripture. "Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name
give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake." Our God has done
whatsoever He has pleased to do. I am dependent upon Him for everything. You
know what? I'm so thankful that my God is able to do all things. Aren't
you?
To God be the glory, great things He hath done,
so loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
and opened the life-gate that all may go in.
Refrain:
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son,
and give Him the glory, great things He hath done.