The High. The Lofty. And the Lowly.
Summary and Discussion Questions
Based on a sermon by Pastor Trent Thomas
Sunday, July 19, 2026 | Christ Hills Church in Monroe, NC
Psalm 113
I was recently invited to a fancy banquet. You know the kind—beautiful table settings, polished silverware, cloth napkins folded into works of art. As I sat down, I noticed something unsettling. In front of me were two forks, two knives, one spoon, and then another fork resting on my plate.
Now, I enjoy a good meal, but I had no idea which fork was supposed to be used for the salad. I made my best guess. A few moments later, I realized I had chosen the wrong fork. Hoping no one noticed, I quietly and discreetly switched utensils. Crisis averted—or at least I hoped so.
The truth is, I needed a revelation before I could respond correctly. Until I understood what was in front of me, I couldn't know what the proper response should be.
Psalm 113 works much the same way.
The psalm opens with a command: "Praise the LORD!" That's the response. But every response is rooted in a revelation. If God calls us to praise Him, then the natural question is, Why? What have we seen about God that compels this response?
Psalm 113 is the opening song of Psalms 113–118, often called the Hallel Psalms—the "Praise Psalms." They were sung by God's people during the great festivals, and they remind us that praise isn't reserved for occasional moments of celebration. Praise is meant to become the continual rhythm and practice of our lives.
Notice how the psalm begins and ends with praise. Everything in between is also praise. The call is comprehensive because God is worthy.
The psalm tells us to praise His Name. In Scripture, God's name is never just a label. His name reveals His character, His presence, and His covenant faithfulness. The LORD—Yahweh—is the great "I AM." To praise His name is to praise Him for who He is.
And how often should we praise Him? "From this time forth and forevermore." "From the rising of the sun to its setting." Generation after generation. Time zone to time zone. Continent to continent. Wherever the sun shines, God's praise belongs on the lips of His people.
But again, why? What reasons do we have to praise the LORD God? First, because He is exalted — high and lofty.
The psalmist asks, "Who is like the LORD our God?" The answer is obvious: No one. Isaiah 40 helps us feel the weight of that truth. God stands in majestic strength upon the mountain, yet He gently gathers lambs like a shepherd. He measures the waters in the hollow of His hand. He created the heavens and the earth. The nations themselves are like a drop in a bucket before Him.
Think about the Artemis astronauts who recently traveled beyond our atmosphere. As they gaze back at Earth or look out into the vastness of space, many speak of the overwhelming beauty and grandeur of creation. They are witnessing the handiwork of an infinitely great Creator.
Here's an assignment for this week: Step outside. Look closely at the bugs crawling across the ground. Study a flower. Stand beneath a towering tree. Watch the clouds drift by. Stay out long enough to see the moon and stars. Creation is constantly preaching the greatness of God to those who are willing to look.
But Psalm 113 doesn't stop with God's greatness. It gives us another breathtaking revelation and reason to praise Him. The high and exalted God stoops. He is not distant or aloof. The One enthroned above the heavens bends down to see. Better yet, He bends down to help.
He raises the poor from the dust. Think of Ruth.
He lifts the needy from the ash heap. Think of Job and Mephibosheth.
He gives children to the barren. Think of Hannah and Elizabeth.
The God who rules over galaxies also notices forgotten people.
What is your need today? Where do you feel your poverty? What part of your life feels like dust or ashes? Psalm 113 is a song of hope because it reminds us that God sees what others overlook.
Ultimately, this psalm points us to Jesus. The greatest example of God stooping is not merely that He notices us—it is that He came to us. The eternal Son of God took on flesh. The Creator entered His creation. The King became a servant. The exalted One humbled Himself to die on a cross and save sinners. This is the heart of the gospel.
God does His best work with empty people. He fills those who know they have nothing. He lifts those who admit they cannot help themselves. And who does God look upon with favor? Those with a humble and contrite heart.
So don't come to God trying to impress Him with your accomplishments. You can't earn His attention by your own strength. In our human frailty, we are absolutely dependent on Jesus for redemption. We come empty. We come needy. In the words of the hymn Rock of Ages, “Nothing in my hand I bring / Simply to Thy cross I cling.”
Once you've seen that revelation, the response becomes obvious.
Praise the LORD.
Questions for Reflection & Discussion:
What revelation about God's greatness or His willingness to stoop down and meet people in need stands out to you most from Psalm 113?
Where do you currently feel poor, needy, or empty, and how does this psalm encourage you to bring that need before Jesus?
If praise is the proper response to seeing God rightly, what practical changes could help make praise a daily rhythm "from the rising of the sun to its setting" in your life?