“Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise him, you servants of the Lord, you who minister in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praise to his name, for that is pleasant. For the Lord has chosen Jacob to be his own, Israel to be his treasured possession. I know that the Lord is great, that our Lord is greater than all gods. The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths. He makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth; he sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses. He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, the firstborn of people and animals. He sent his signs and wonders into your midst, Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants. He struck down many nations and killed mighty kings—Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan—and he gave their land as an inheritance, an inheritance to his people Israel. Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them. All you Israelites, praise the Lord; house of Aaron, praise the Lord; house of Levi, praise the Lord; you who fear him, praise the Lord. Praise be to the Lord from Zion, to him who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord.”—Psalm 135 (NIV)

Psalm 135 invites us to marvel at the majesty of God and recognize the futility of placing our trust in anything other than Him. This psalm paints a vivid picture of divine greatness and challenges us to reflect on our own devotion and worship.

The psalm begins with a call to worship: “Praise the Lord. Praise the name of the Lord; praise him, you servants of the Lord.” This is more than a simple directive; it’s an invitation to engage deeply in the act of worship. The psalmist is urging us to recognize God’s supreme greatness and respond with genuine reverence and praise.

We’re reminded of God’s sovereign power: “He does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths.” This verse reassures us that God’s authority encompasses every aspect of creation. His will isn’t confined by time or space; it extends beyond our understanding. Embracing this truth helps us trust in His plan and find peace in His control over every detail of our lives.

In stark contrast, the psalmist describes the lifelessness of idols: “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.” This imagery highlights the futility of placing our trust in anything that’s not God. Idols, whether physical or metaphorical, are powerless compared to the living God. This comparison challenges us to examine where we direct our faith and devotion.

The psalm concludes with a reassuring affirmation of God’s eternal reign: “The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord.” This final statement confirms that God’s rule is eternal and His promises are steadfast. It calls us to remain committed to our faith, knowing God’s sovereignty extends beyond our lifetimes.

Psalm 135 invites us to celebrate God’s greatness and trust in His sovereignty. Here’s how you can integrate its teachings into our daily lives:

Embrace Worship Daily: Start each day with a focus on praising God. Reflect on His attributes and express gratitude for His work in your life. Let this practice become a natural part of your routine.

Trust in God’s Plan: Recognize God is in control of every aspect of your life. When facing challenges, remind yourself of His supreme authority and find peace in His perfect plan.

Identify and Let Go of Idols: Take time to evaluate your life for anything that might be competing with God for your trust. Whether it’s material possessions or personal ambitions, ensure your ultimate devotion is directed toward God alone.

Anchor Your Faith in God’s Promises: In moments of doubt, lean on the assurance of God’s eternal reign and unwavering faithfulness. Let His promises guide your decisions and sustain your hope.

Pause: Spend a moment reflecting on the majesty and sovereignty of God. Consider how His greatness is evident in your life and how it impacts your daily actions and attitudes.

Practice: Using Psalm 135 as inspiration, this week we encourage you to write your own psalm! Remember the principles of worship and gratitude, personal reflection, and anchoring yourself in God’s promise through faith and trust in Him.

Pray: Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your unmatched greatness and sovereignty. Thank You for Your eternal reign and unchanging nature. Help me to trust in Your plans and to live each day with a heart full of worship. Reveal any idols in my life and guide me to place my trust solely in You. May Your promises anchor my faith and guide my steps. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.