Not About Us
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Proverbs 20 and Psalm 115 (NIV)
(Roger Chan from LCEC)
READ:
“Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” — Psalm 115:1
OBSERVE:
Psalm 115 reminds us from the start — it is not about us. It is about God. The psalm talks about how people may ask, “Where is your God?” and how tempting it can be to trust in things we can see and control. But our God is alive, faithful, and calls us to trust deeply — even when the results are not obvious.
APPLY:
Two memories came to mind as I sat with this psalm.
The first was a question posed during a small group training session, “Is it better to have more small groups, or fewer but healthier ones?” It made me pause. It is so easy to chase numbers because they feel measurable. But real growth — real life change — is slower and harder to count. It made me ask: are we building what looks good, or trusting God to grow something real in every small group?
The second memory was about recognition. Sometimes when things go well — a project succeeds, or someone offers praise at work — it feels good. But if I’m honest, it is easy to start thinking it is because of my own effort. Psalm 115 pulled me back again. Every good thing comes from God. Without God, I am nothing. Even the things I’m proud of aren’t mine to boast about. They are reminders of God’s faithfulness, not my greatness.
This psalm keeps calling me back to trust — not in what I can measure, not in my own strength, but in the living God who is my help and shield.
DO:
I’m trying something simple: before meetings or big moments, I pause and pray Psalm 115:1 — “Not to us, Lord, but to your name be the glory.” It helps me stay grounded and trust that God is truly the one at work.
PRAY:
God, You know my heart better than I do. You know how easily I get caught up in wanting to succeed, to be seen, to feel like I’ve done well. But everything good comes from You. Help me not to trust in my own strength, but in Your faithfulness. When I’m tempted to take the credit, remind me to give the glory back to You. When I feel small or unseen, remind me that You are still working. Teach me to trust You more — in the good days, and in the hard ones too. I want my life to point to You. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
