Passage Read: Psalm 115-118
Meditation Verses: 115:1-8
Thought
The idols of the nations are nothing and can do nothing, and those who trust in them will become like them, powerless and nothing. But the nations ask, "Where is our God?" because there is nothing to see, no likeness, no image, no statue, no representation of His likeness. Our God is in heaven, but He sees all that goes on in the earth. The earth, He has given to us, and it is in the earth where He makes Himself known and obtains praise and glory for Himself by His deeds among us. We don't speak to an idol in order to ask His favor or blessing; we don't need an image to know He is real. And we don't misplace our faith in an object of man's creation. We trust in the Lord's truth and power without seeing Him or some representation of Him. Our faith is in an unseen God that does good to those who trust in Him though unseen. Our "nothing" God is more real and more alive than their statue god, and we will become like Him as we trust in Him. His goodness to us, His help, His protection and His changing of us is more real and trustworthy than all the power of the idols of all nations.
Application
The proof of God and the evidence for His existence, the things that result in His being glorified among the nations, is His care and protection of His people, of those who fear and trust Him so as to honor and obey Him. There are people all over the earth who worship all kinds of idols, or only themselves, and they prosper and succeed, without having to do good or walk in righteousness, free to plot and scheme and take advantage of others as they see fit, caring only about themselves. They are just like their idols: a lie, a phantom that will vanish forever. But my God made the universe by His power; He has always been and will always be. He needs nothing from me, but gives freely to those who trust in Him. By faith and trust in Him that drives me to bend the knee and honor and fear Him so that I live as He directs, so I will enjoy His favor and goodness for eternity. He is good to those who fear Him, even if in this life I share in no good thing but only give and bless even those who hate me, yet I will live forever on the earth He has created for me, enjoying the riches of His glory and goodness. O my soul, trust in the Lord and do good; He is your help and shield.