Humble Anyone?

1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

2 Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
3 Our God is in the heavens;
he does all that he pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
5 They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.
6 They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.
7 They have hands, but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk;
and they do not make a sound in their throat.
8 Those who make them become like them;
so do all who trust in them.

9 O Israel, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and their shield.
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and their shield.
11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord!
He is their help and their shield.

12 The Lord has remembered us; he will bless us;
he will bless the house of Israel;
he will bless the house of Aaron;
13 he will bless those who fear the Lord,
both the small and the great.

14 May the Lord give you increase,
you and your children!
15 May you be blessed by the Lord,
who made heaven and earth!

16 The heavens are the Lord’s heavens,
but the earth he has given to the children of man.
17 The dead do not praise the Lord,
nor do any who go down into silence.
18 But we will bless the Lord
from this time forth and forevermore.
Praise the Lord!

- Psalm 115

I love this Psalm.  When I read this text, I’m drawn to the reality of my sinfulness and God’s glory.  I’m reminded that God is on His throne in perfect glory.  I’m reminded that the depravity of man will lead to idolatry, and blinded pursuit of God.  Friend, we must humble rejoice that God has pursued us with an everlasting love and joy.  The Word tells us that the love and joy of God has been demonstrated on the cross of Jesus (Romans 5:8). 
 
With a Biblical understanding of the Gospel, we can boast in Psalm 115:1.  In our walk, our talk, our singing, our leading, our practicing, our serving, and our witnessing; we must submit to the reality that all we do is not for our glory.  All we do is for His glory.  He is the One that makes the dead come to life.  He is the One that brings the lost to salvation.  He is the One that has faithfully given us the divine command to preach and proclaim His heavenly kingdom on the earth. 
 
We must strive for humility daily.  My favorite definition of humility is simply our understanding of our sinful nature and our joy to His perfect nature.  I believe that living daily with this understanding will draw us naturally to seek His fame (v.1), His honor (v.13), His blessing (v.15), and His eternal praise (v.18).  Let us draw together with great humility to His Name, not our own.
 
From one who strives for the glory of His name and not my own..