That’s My Psalm: You Are What You Worship
Psalm 115 | That’s My Psalm Series (Part 7)
Life has a way of getting noisy. Problems pile up, distractions multiply, and before we know it our attention has drifted from what matters most. In those moments, one simple, piercing truth from Scripture helps cut through the clutter: you are what you worship.
If you’ve ever wondered why certain choices keep resurfacing, or why some longings never satisfy, Psalm 115 offers a simple lens: what you honor most will eventually become who you are. Over the next few sections, we’ll explore how the psalm invites us to give glory to God, renounce idols (even subtle modern ones), and return — fully — to the Lord who is our help and shield.
Let’s begin with a posture of honesty and openness. Ask yourself, quietly: What have I been worshiping lately?
Scripture Focus: Psalm 115
The psalmist’s message is both straightforward and radical: the shape of your life — your decisions, your priorities, your legacy — is determined by who or what holds your heart. History proves this is true. The kings of Israel were judged not by their charisma or their conquests but by whom they worshiped. Their credit score before God came down to one question: did they honor the Lord?
This Psalm was written to steer God’s people back to the true center — not to a popular idol or empty ritual, but to the living God whose steadfast love endures. Today, in our culture of “more,” “faster,” and “next,” the same call is urgent. We can’t outsource worship to our schedules, our careers, or our comfort. Worship brings power — it energizes and directs everything else in our lives like an electrical box feeds current to the whole house.
Give Glory to God
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness. - Psalm 115:1
The psalmist opens with a bold declaration — one that flips the script on our natural instincts. We love recognition. We’re wired to want our names remembered, our efforts applauded. But here’s the reality: when glory stops with us, it spoils. When it flows back to God, it multiplies.
Psalm 115 starts by taking the spotlight off people and putting it squarely on the Lord. Why? Because His love and faithfulness never fail. Our achievements may fade, our reputations may shift with the wind, but God’s character is steady and unshakable.
This is not false humility, it’s a radical re-centering. The psalmist is teaching us that glory belongs to God because He’s the source of every good thing in our lives. It’s like acknowledging the sun for giving light instead of taking credit for the way the room looks bright.
When we shift the focus from our own name to His, it changes the way we live:
It frees us from comparison: we stop competing for applause when we’re not living for it.
It deepens our gratitude: we see blessings as gifts, not trophies.
It keeps us anchored: even when life’s storms try to knock us off course.
Living “Not to us, Lord” is countercultural in a world obsessed with personal brand and self-promotion. But it’s also deeply freeing. The more we give glory to God, the more we reflect His character back into the world.
Renounce the Folly of Idols
Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. - Psalm 115:4–5
The psalmist doesn’t mince words here — idols are not just powerless, they’re pointless. They’re shiny, yes. Crafted with skill, sure. But they’re lifeless. They can’t speak into your situation, see your struggle, or move on your behalf.
In ancient times, idols were physical objects of worship. Today, they can be anything we elevate above God — success, relationships, comfort, control, approval. The form has changed, but the heart of idolatry hasn’t. We trade the living God for something that looks appealing but can’t actually save us.
The danger isn’t just in worshiping these “lifeless gods,” but in becoming like them.
“Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.” - Psalm 115:8
When our trust is misplaced, our hearts grow dull. We lose the ability to hear God clearly, to see His work, to move in faith.
Renouncing idols isn’t just about rejecting something bad — it’s about returning to Someone better. The living God doesn’t just watch you; He speaks to you, leads you, and fights for you.
Here’s a heart check:
What am I trusting in right now to make me feel secure?
Is there something I’m turning to for comfort before I turn to God?
Does my hope rise and fall based on anything other than Him?
Let’s not settle for the counterfeit when we have access to the Creator.
Return to the Lord
O Israel, trust in the Lord—He is their help and shield. House of Aaron, trust in the Lord—He is their help and shield. You who fear Him, trust in the Lord—He is their help and shield. - Psalm 115:9–11
The call here is simple but powerful: come back to the One who can actually protect you, help you, and hold you steady.
Notice how the psalmist repeats the same truth three times — not because God forgot what He said, but because we often forget what we’ve heard. Repetition is God’s way of drilling truth into a wandering heart.
No matter who you are: Whether you’re part of God’s covenant family (“Israel”), serving in ministry (“House of Aaron”), or simply seeking after Him (“you who fear Him”) the invitation is the same: Trust Him.
To “return to the Lord” isn’t just about leaving behind idols; it’s about leaning your full weight on God again. It’s shifting your confidence from what’s temporary to what’s eternal.
When life feels uncertain, our instinct is often to grab tighter to what we can control. But God’s Word flips that instinct on its head — let go and trust Me.
Returning to Him means:
Running toward His presence when fear creeps in.
Choosing prayer over panic.
Relying on His promises more than your own plans.
The shield is only effective if you stand behind it. The help is only received if you reach for it. And God is offering both, right now.
Receive the Blessing of the Lord
The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless the house of Israel, He will bless the house of Aaron, He will bless those who fear the Lord—small and great alike. - Psalm 115:12–13
What an incredible promise — the Lord remembers you.
Not in a distant, vague way, but in an intentional, personal way.
You are not lost in the crowd. Your struggles, your prayers, your faithfulness — they are seen and known by God. And the blessing He offers isn’t limited to certain positions, titles, or levels of “spiritual achievement.” Whether you’re leading, serving, or quietly trusting, His heart is set to bless you.
To “receive” the blessing of the Lord means making room for it:
Letting go of the belief that you have to earn His favor.
Opening your hands to what He wants to give, even if it looks different than what you expected.
Living with the awareness that you walk in His goodness.
This blessing isn’t just about material provision — it’s about the deep joy, peace, and security that come from being in relationship with the One true God.
The psalmist ends with a clear direction: “It is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore. Praise the Lord.” - Psalm 115:18
The right response to God’s blessing is worship — giving Him the glory for what He’s done, is doing, and will do. You can stop striving. God’s got you. Now walk in the blessing He’s already spoken over you.
Put This Psalm on Repeat
The idols of this world will always overpromise and underdeliver.
They’re shiny but empty. Loud but lifeless. They take from you, but they’ll never come through for you.
But our God? He sees. He hears. He speaks. He moves.
And here’s the best part — He remembers you.
You might feel small, overlooked, or like you’ve been waiting too long, but His blessing is not out of reach. You don’t have to earn it. You just have to turn to Him.
Let this psalm be your anchor this week:
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to Your name be the glory.
Not to idols. Not to our own strength. Not to the approval of people. Only to You.
Idols can’t hold you, heal you, or help you but God can. And He will.
So return to Him. Receive His blessing. And let your life echo His glory, now and forevermore.