{"id":8132,"date":"2025-06-16T20:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T23:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/milagreshoje.com.br\/?p=8132"},"modified":"2025-06-16T15:43:43","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T18:43:43","slug":"psalm-115-an-invitation-to-trust-in-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/milagreshoje.com.br\/en\/psalm-115-an-invitation-to-trust-in-god\/","title":{"rendered":"Psalm 115: An Invitation to Trust in God"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Psalm 115<\/strong> is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God, highlighting the difference between the true God and the idols made by human hands. Throughout its verses, the text invites us to reflect on the true source of help and protection, calling the people to praise the Lord for His faithfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This psalm belongs to the group known as the \u201cEgyptian Hallel,\u201d recited during festivals such as the Jewish Passover. Its central message revolves around God\u2019s glory, the futility of idols, and the trust that the faithful must place in the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115 \u2013 Full Text<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1 <\/sup>Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your lovingkindness and Your truth.
2 <\/sup>Why should the nations say, \u201cWhere is their God?\u201d
3 <\/sup>But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.
4 <\/sup>Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
5 <\/sup>They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 <\/sup>They have ears, but do not hear; they have noses, but do not smell.
7 <\/sup>They have hands, but do not feel; they have feet, but do not walk; nor can they make a sound with their throat.
8 <\/sup>Those who make them will become like them\u2014so will all who trust in them.
9 <\/sup>Israel, trust in the Lord; He is your help and your shield.
10 <\/sup>House of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is your help and your shield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11 <\/sup>You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is your help and your shield.
12 <\/sup>The Lord has remembered us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.
13 <\/sup>He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great.
14 <\/sup>The Lord will increase you more and more, you and your children.
15 <\/sup>You are blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16 <\/sup>The heavens are the Lord\u2019s heavens, but the earth He has given to the children of men.
17 <\/sup>The dead do not praise the Lord, nor any who go down into silence.
18 <\/sup>But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n

\"Psalm<\/figure>\n\n\n

Psalm 115 Explained<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your lovingkindness and Your truth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This verse is a declaration of humility and reverence. The psalmist acknowledges that glory belongs exclusively to God, not to humankind. The motive for this glory is the Lord\u2019s love and faithfulness\u2014His eternal attributes that sustain the relationship with His people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Why should the nations say, \u201cWhere is their God?\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, the author exposes the scorn of pagan nations, who do not understand faith in an invisible God. This rhetorical question reveals the challenge Israel faced: trusting a God who could not be seen like the idols of other peoples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer to the nations\u2019 question is clear: God is in the heavens and acts with total sovereignty. He is not limited by forms, spaces, or human desires. He does as He wills, and this is reason for trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The psalmist begins to denounce the futility of idolatry. Idols are not true gods but mere objects crafted by human hands, made of valuable materials yet powerless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They have mouths, but do not speak; they have eyes, but do not see.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even molded with human appearance, idols have no life. They do not speak or see\u2014they are inert images, incapable of interacting with the real world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:6<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They have ears, but do not hear; they have noses, but do not smell.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The description continues, highlighting the uselessness of these false gods. They have form but no function. They perceive nothing and respond to nothing, for they are merely empty figures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They have hands, but do not feel; they have feet, but do not walk; nor can they make a sound with their throat.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Idols are complete in appearance yet totally devoid of power. They do not touch, move, or speak. They are the negation of everything that defines a living being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:8<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Those who make them will become like them\u2014so will all who trust in them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The psalm warns: those who craft and trust in idols become spiritually insensitive and lifeless, just like the idols themselves. Idolatry does not transform; it only weakens true faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:9<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Israel, trust in the Lord; He is your help and your shield.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The people of Israel are called to trust in the Lord. He is presented as their help<\/strong> and shield<\/strong>, that is, someone active on behalf of those who trust in Him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:10<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

House of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is your help and your shield.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The call to trust is extended to the priestly house. Even religious leaders must place their hope in the Lord, who protects and helps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:11<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is your help and your shield.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now, the call reaches everyone who fears God, regardless of origin. Trust in the Lord should be common practice for every believer, for He answers with help and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:12<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Lord has remembered us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The psalm confidently affirms that God does not forget His people. Blessing is promised to the people and to the religious leadership alike. Here, \u201cremember\u201d is synonymous with concrete and caring action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:13<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

God shows no partiality. His blessing extends to all who revere Him, regardless of position, influence, or social recognition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:14<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Lord will increase you more and more, you and your children.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond present blessing, there is a promise of ongoing growth and prosperity. Faithfulness to God bears lasting fruit and benefits future generations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:15<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You are blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The text reaffirms that the blessing received comes from the Creator of all. This strengthens confidence and reinforces the certainty that the One who blesses is God Himself, with absolute power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:16<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The heavens are the Lord\u2019s heavens, but the earth He has given to the children of men.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This verse establishes God\u2019s sovereignty over the heavens and humanity\u2019s role as stewards of the earth. It references creation, where God entrusted care of the world to humankind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:17<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The dead do not praise the Lord, nor any who go down into silence.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The psalmist reminds us that worship belongs to the living. The dead no longer participate in earthly worship, so the opportunity to praise must be seized while life endures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115:18<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The psalm ends with a commitment to continual praise. Worship is not momentary but perpetual. The living have the privilege and responsibility to exalt God without ceasing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Psalm<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Glory Belongs to God Alone<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The True Reason for Praise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115<\/strong> opens with an impactful declaration: \u201cNot to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory.\u201d This phrase sums up the essence of biblical worship\u2014recognizing that all honor and glory belong exclusively to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Give Glory to God?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The reason for exalting the Lord lies in His mercy and faithfulness. Unlike idols, God acts with constant love and fulfills His promises. He is not limited by form or matter; He is spirit, eternal, and sovereign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contrast Between God and Idols<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Powerlessness of Idols<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the highlights of Psalm 115<\/strong> is its direct critique of the nations\u2019 idols. The text describes them as having mouths but not speaking; eyes but not seeing; ears but not hearing. In other words, they are lifeless and powerless images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Danger of Trusting Images<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The psalm warns that those who make idols and trust in them become like them\u2014spiritually dead. This message remains relevant, prompting reflection on where we place our faith\u2014in human constructs or in the living God?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Call to Trust in the Lord<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

House of Israel, Trust in the Lord<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Throughout Psalm 115<\/strong>, there is a persistent appeal: \u201cTrust in the Lord.\u201d First, it is directed to the house of Israel, the chosen people. Trust in God was the foundation of national identity and protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

House of Aaron, Trust in the Lord<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next, the psalm addresses the priestly house, the representatives of the people before God. Even those who serve in the temple must keep their faith firmly in the One who is their helper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Who Fear the Lord<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, the invitation extends to everyone who fears God. Origin does not matter, but the disposition of the heart does. Psalm 115<\/strong> includes all who desire to walk with God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Blessing of a God Who Remembers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

God Remembers His People<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115<\/strong> declares that \u201cthe Lord has remembered us.\u201d He does not forget those who follow Him. His blessing is not only spiritual but also reaches everyday aspects of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessings for Great and Small<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

God promises to bless both great and small. His grace is not limited by class, position, or generation. Everyone can experience His favor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lord Owns Everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Heaven Is His Throne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to Psalm 115<\/strong>, \u201cthe heavens are the Lord\u2019s heavens.\u201d This demonstrates His sovereignty over all creation. Nothing is outside His control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Earth Entrusted to Humanity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Even though He owns everything, God entrusted the earth to human beings. We are stewards of creation, called to live with responsibility and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Silence of the Dead and the Praise of the Living<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Dead Do Not Praise the Lord<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The text declares that the dead do not praise the Lord, making a clear distinction: worship belongs to the living, to those who recognize divine greatness in their existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We Will Bless the Lord<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As long as we live, we must bless the Lord\u2019s name. Psalm 115<\/strong> ends with an invitation to eternal worship: \u201cFrom now and forevermore.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spiritual Lessons from Psalm 115<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Pride Must Be Rejected<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The psalmist begins by saying, \u201cNot to us, Lord.\u201d This teaches that the human ego cannot be the center of spiritual life. All exaltation must go to the Creator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Idolatry Remains Current<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although physical idols are less common in some cultures, modern idolatry can take other forms\u2014money, status, technology. The warning of Psalm 115<\/strong> is still necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trust Is the Foundation of Faith<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

God does not require us to understand everything but to trust in Him. The psalm repeats several times: \u201cHe is our help and shield.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blessing Is for Everyone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The text reinforces the universality of divine blessing. God desires to reach everyone\u2014priests, nation, foreigners, and children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Poetic Structure of Psalm 115<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parallelisms and Repetitions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As in many psalms, parallelism is a recurring technique. Psalm 115<\/strong> uses repetitions to reinforce ideas, such as the verses that exhort trust in the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Use of Contrasts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Contrasts are also striking. God is living and powerful, whereas idols are inert. God\u2019s people live and praise; the dead do not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practical Applications of Psalm 115 Today<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For Times of Crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In times of doubt or despair, Psalm 115<\/strong> reminds us that help is not in material things but in God, who acts faithfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Worship and Adoration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This psalm can be used in liturgies, collective prayers, or personal devotions. It reinforces God\u2019s centrality in worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Spiritual Formation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The text is rich in foundations for discipleship, biblical teaching, and group studies. It is an excellent resource to explore themes such as idolatry, faith, and faithfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Curiosities About Psalm 115<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Part of the Hallel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Psalm 115<\/strong> is part of a set of psalms (113\u2013118) sung during festivals like Passover. They were used to remember the Exodus from Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connection with the New Testament<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although not quoted directly, the spirit of the psalm echoes in Jesus\u2019 teachings, especially regarding religious hypocrisy and true worship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guided Meditation with Psalm 115<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Read the psalm slowly out loud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Replace \u201cIsrael\u201d with your own name.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Reflect: where is your trust?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Pray, thanking God for His faithfulness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Decide to live for the glory of the Lord.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Highlighted Verses from Psalm 115<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n