God is our help and shield
Psalm 115
Rev. Dr. Devadosan Sugirtharaj
Introduction
This is another psalm from the Egyptian Hallel psalm collection to be sung during their Passover celebrations. The psalmist gives the following reason why God is our help and shield.
Reason 1: God is exalted above all idols. Psalm 115:1-8
- Lord’s wonders for his glory, truth and mercy. Psalm 115:1-2
- The gentiles says, “Where is their God?” In response to this question, the psalmist makes a humble request to the Lord. God does not forsake his people. He delivers his people so that he would be gloried among the nations. God does wonderful things for his glory, truth and mercy, not people’s glory.
- Lord’s exaltation over the idols of the nations. Psalm 115:3-8
- The nations worship the idols which are in the earth. But God is in heaven and he does whatever he pleases. The active God in heaven is different from the idols. They have mouths but do not speak as they are made in silver and gold. They cannot act or touch or feel but stay wherever they are placed. They have no speech, see, hear, smell, handle, walk, or even mutter. His name is exalted over all idols.
Reason 2: God’s people are called to trust God and receive His blessing. Psalm 115:9-18
- The Call to trust in the Lord. Psalm 115:9-11
- The psalmist invites the Israel to trust the Lord as He is our help and shield. Because God is always our succor, support, guardian and defense of us who put our confidence in him. He is not only help or shield for Israel but also the house of Aaron, who were the priests when they trust him.
- The Confident Assurance of those who trust him. Psalm 115:12-13
- ’s faithfulness in the past gives the confidence in God’s future blessings. God does not forget us as He is mindful of us and also He is the creator of heavens and earth.
- The Blessing pronounced. Psalm 115:14-15
- In the ancient Israel, the people of God looked to the idols of the nations and the prosperity of their fields, flocks and families. However, the psalmist calls the people of God to recognize the Lord as the true source of blessing for the generations and to trust him who made heaven and earth.
- The Praises forever. Psalm 115:16-18
- God is our help and shelter. So we are called to put our trust in God as his assurance and blessings are pronounced to us. The result is to praise God who made heaven and earth forever. This is our response to God. Are you willing to praise God today?
Conclusion
God is our help and shelter. He always is mindful of us to bless us. Though he is the creator of heaven and earth, his blessings are assured for us. So let us trust him and praise him forever. Are you willing to trust God?