Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: Psalm 115
“Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Psalm 115:1)
Some days like these, I have nothing to write and just want to sit still in the goodness of God. He is ever faithful day by day. His love is steadfast and unending. He guides those who fear Him step by step so that life’s business becomes sweet as each day is walked with Him.
When God gives us many blessings, we cannot then turn them into idols, trusting in the creation but not the Creator. When there are successes in life and ministry, it is not our own doing, and we have no place to boast. “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory”.
In the end, God works all things unto the ultimate end of His glory. In our human limitedness, we might be guilty of questioning, why does God seem to have such a big ego, wanting all creation to give Him glory?
C.S. Lewis makes note that “we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment”. When God exalts Himself, it is because He is of infinite worth and value. If God loves us, He wants the best for us. And the best thing for us is to glorify Him because in that there is the greatest joy and satisfaction.
Day by day, what are we actually living for?
Psalm 115:17-18 says, “The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence. But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore Praise the LORD!”.
Which one are you? The dead, those blinded by the gods of this world, do not think to praise God. Their life is in pursuit of praising and enjoying the bling of this world. Those who are God’s live to bless Him from now until forevermore. They live to glory in His name, revel at His beauty, stand in awe at His holiness, and praise Him for His steadfast love and faithfulness.
“You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.” (Psalm 115:11)
Lord, we praise You for Your steadfast love each day and Your continued faithfulness to those who fear You. May each of our days be to the praise of Your glory. Forgive us for all our idols and for the glory we give elsewhere and to ourselves. Cleanse us and change us so that our very lives are to glorify You alone and enjoy a relationship with You forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.