We live in a culture where self-promotion, self-seeking, and self-glory are the water in which we swim. Yet, Scripture gives us a better story. It’s one where we find true satisfaction not in seeking the greatness of our names, but in magnifying the name above all names: Jesus Christ.

The new hymn “Not to Us (One Name Forever Shall Be Praised)” traces the lines of Psalm 115 from beginning to end. The song opens with the declaration, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, O Lord, but to your name be the glory.” This is the desire of redeemed hearts - to see the name of our God glorified because of his steadfast love and faithfulness.

Verse two sings of the nations who rage and are found “trusting idols vain” rather than adoring, delighting in, and bowing their knees to the one true King over all.

As the song finds its final descent, we ask the Lord to set his face upon us and bless us. The benefits of this request are not merely for our own sake of knowing the warmth of his favor, but ultimately that we might be a blessing to the peoples of the world. The prayer concludes by asking God that all peoples of the world might join us in saying, “the name of the Lord shall be praised.”

-Matt Boswell