Psalm 115 Devotional

Becoming Like What We Trust

“Those who make them become like them, as do all who trust in them.”Psalm 115:8 (BSB)

The psalm opens by refusing credit. The people pray that glory go to God's name rather than to themselves, because of his loving devotion and faithfulness (115:1). The nations taunt Israel, asking where their God is (115:2). The answer is simple: he is in heaven and does whatever he pleases (115:3). Their idols, by contrast, are silver and gold shaped by human hands, with mouths, eyes, ears, and feet that cannot speak, see, hear, or walk (115:4-7).

Then comes a sobering line. Those who make idols and trust them become like them (115:8). People grow to resemble what they rely on, and trusting what is lifeless leaves a person less alive. So three times the psalm calls God's people to trust the LORD, their help and shield (115:9-11). Unlike the idols, he is mindful of us and blesses small and great alike (115:12-13). Paul describes the opposite: believers who behold the Lord's glory are being changed to resemble him (2 Corinthians 3:18). What you look to most will shape you.

To think about: What are you relying on most right now, and is it making you more like the living God or less?