Words of Comfort, Hope and Joyনমুনা

Idol worshippers mocked the ancient Israelites, who had no physical objects to represent their God. God had forbidden the Israelites from making idols for worship (Exodus 20:4). They also did not worship trees, rivers, mountains, or anything else, as they believed God created all visible and invisible things in the universe. In contrast, the surrounding nations worshipped idols or nature.

Although their worship lacked tangible objects, the Israelites' faith in God stayed unwavering. Psalm 115 serves as a strong reply to those who doubted the authenticity of their worship.

First, the true worshippers affirm that their God does not belong to the realm of human beings or all that he has created. He is above all of them: "Our God is in the heavens." Towards the end of this song of faith, the Psalmist distinguishes heaven from earth. "The heavens are the LORD's heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man" (Psalms 115:16, ESV). Since the Lord is present everywhere, he is not limited by space. However, he has heaven, which is far separate from the earth, the domain of human beings for himself. In other words, the creator God is beyond human manipulation and over all that he has made. This argument does not imply that God is not present on earth but only that he is exclusively present in the heavens. Even the world in which humans dwell is a gracious gift from God.

Having no idols to worship does not mean the Israelites have no God; it only means that God is far beyond human senses to perceive and control. Idols are made, moved around, and even replaced at the worshippers' wish.

The true worshippers also affirmed that their God is sovereign: "He does all that he pleases." He does not seek others' approval or consult with anyone before acting.

The true worshippers, in contrast, affirm the sovereignty of their God. "He does all that he pleases", they declare. Their God does not seek approval or counsel from others before acting.

This psalm is not merely a rebuttal of idol worship; it is a powerful call to trust in the almighty God, even though he remains invisible. "O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield. (Psalm 115:9—11, ESV).

Trust in the unseen, almighty God who is above all and sovereign over creation. Let your faith be unwavering, for He is your help and shield, worthy of your trust and worship.

Today, choose to trust the unseen God who reigns sovereignly over all creation and whose power is limitless. Let go of the need for visible signs or idols and place your confidence fully in His faithful protection and help.