Bless The Lord Above All

Psalm 135 begins with an exhortation: Praise the LORD!
The author calls upon Israel to remember what the LORD has done for them: He chose Jacob as His own possession, delivered His people from slavery in Egypt, defeated mighty kings and kingdoms, and led them to their promised inheritance—the land of Canaan. Israel's history reveals the faithfulness of YHWH—the LORD, their covenant God.
But the LORD is so much more than the God of Israel's past. His people are called to recognize who He is now: the sovereign God who rules over all creation and “does whatever He pleases.” His name endures forever. His people can rest in what He will do: have compassion on them, and vindicate them.
The psalmist then contrasts the living LORD with the lifeless idols of the nations. These objects, made by human hands, cannot speak, see, hear, or breathe. The LORD acts; idols cannot. Why trust in something powerless when the living God has demonstrated His faithfulness throughout the generations?
For Christians, the faithfulness of the covenant-keeping God is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. God carried forward His plan of redemption throughout history, ultimately sending us the promised Messiah.
And just as the Psalm opens with the directive to “Praise the LORD,” so too, it ends the same way.
The LORD is ever faithful. How, then, can we His people not speak and sing His praises every day?  
- Jenna Connor

[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect.
+ Look again at what the LORD has done, what He continues to do, and what He promises to do. How do these past, present, and future actions demonstrate His enduring faithfulness?
+ Why does the psalmist contrast everything the LORD does with idols that cannot speak, see, hear, or breathe? What does this reveal about the difference between the living God and the gods of the nations?

[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life.
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Do I turn toward God in the midst of struggles? Do I remember His faithfulness in my life every day? Do I speak or sing His praises regularly?
+ Whom, or what, are you tempted to trust for security, satisfaction, or control that only the living God can ultimately provide?

[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
+ Pray with me:
Father, You are the living and ever-faithful God. You have shown Your faithfulness throughout the generations, and You alone are worthy of our trust and praise.
Forgive us when we look to the idols of this world for the security, comfort, satisfaction, or control that only You can provide. Help us recognize the things we are tempted to rely upon instead of You, and turn our hearts away from them.
Teach us to remember Your faithfulness, recognize Your sovereign hand in our lives, and rest in Your care. Especially when life is difficult or uncertain, help us praise You—not only for what You have done, but simply for who You are. Make praise a regular rhythm of our lives, turning our hearts and minds toward You and deepening our trust and reliance on You.
Thank You for Your faithfulness displayed most fully in Jesus Christ. By Your Spirit, keep our hearts fixed on You, confident that the God who has been faithful throughout all generations will remain faithful forever.
In Jesus' name, Amen

[ SHARE ] what God is teaching you with at least one person: your roommate,
your spouse, your kids, or your coworkers. Don’t keep what God taught you to
yourself.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.org/community-groups)
yourself:
+ Talk today’s message over with someone who is discipling you, and someone you are discipling.