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Psalm 96:1-8
Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth. Sing to the LORD, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary. Ascribe to the LORD, all you families of nations, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come into his courts.

Israel was surrounded by nations that worshiped false gods. Baal, and his female counterpart, Asherah, were prominent among the Canaanites. The Phoenicians worshiped Beel-Zebul and the Moabites worshiped Chemish. The Philistines had Dagon, the Arameans, Hadad, and the Babylonians, Marduk. The Ammonites bowed before Molech who required human sacrifices.

These gods, however, were man-made, constructed of wood and stone. Jeremiah likened them to a “scarecrow in a cucumber field.” They could not speak and had to be carried because they could not walk. The gods of the nations were powerless, but not the God of Israel.

The Lord is God and He is great. He is most worthy of our praise. He is to be honored, worshiped, and obeyed. He is the Creator God who made the heavens. He is the all-powerful God that created man. He is the living God who works in history. He is the personal God who sent His Son to pay the penalty of our sin so we could have an eternal relationship with Him.

Father, You are the living God. I worship You and You alone. Show me if I am worshiping anything besides You. Help me put that god out of my life. Help me to always give You the glory that You deserve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.