Psalms 115

Small and Great

He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great. ~ Psalms 115:13

I used to believe that following the plan of God for my life would always lead to extraordinary, visible results.  I expected hundreds of salvations, countless lives impacted, and tangible signs of success. But as I read this scripture, I realized that my idea of “great” results is often very different from God’s.

God’s perspective isn’t limited to numbers or visible achievements. Sometimes, His plan for us might seem small in the eyes of the world, but in His kingdom, it carries eternal significance. He could call someone to lead a massive ministry, reaching thousands, while calling another to pour into one person’s life for decades. Both are equally important in God’s eyes because His purpose is what defines success, not our human measurements or comparisons.

There’s comfort in knowing that God doesn’t require us to produce results. Our responsibility is simply to follow His direction and get on track with His assignment, trusting that His plan will produce exactly what He intends. It’s not about the size of the ministry; it’s about the heart for the mission.

This truth has given me peace in seasons when my efforts seemed to bear little fruit. Now I stop judging the success of my calling based on what I can see and instead focus on listening to the Holy Spirit. His leading is what matters, and He empowers us to stay on course, even when things don’t look the way we imagined.

Below are some steps you can take and ways you can recognize God’s Spirit leading you in the planned path.

1. Peace in the Midst of Chaos: The Holy Spirit often speaks through peace. If you feel a deep, unshakable peace about a decision, even in uncertain circumstances, it’s likely His confirmation.
2. Agreement with God’s Word: The Holy Spirit will never lead you in a way that contradicts Scripture. Regularly reading the Bible helps you discern His voice.
3. A Gentle Nudge: Sometimes the Holy Spirit’s leading is a quiet prompting in your heart. A sense of “knowing” or a pull toward a particular direction or action.
4. Godly Counsel: The Holy Spirit often speaks through others. Wise, spiritually mature friends or mentors can provide clarity and confirmation.
5. Persistent Thoughts or Burdens: If something stays on your heart over time and lines up with God’s Word, it may be the Holy Spirit calling you to act.
6. Open and Closed Doors: Circumstances sometimes confirm the Spirit’s leading. An open door or a closed opportunity can guide you toward or away from something.
7. Conviction, Not Condemnation: The Holy Spirit convicts us to move toward God’s best, while condemnation pushes us away in shame. Learn to recognize the difference especially when thoughts like “I could never do that” creep in. Just because something seems impossible in your own strength doesn’t mean it’s not from God. His call often stretches us beyond our abilities, requiring faith and trust in Him. If it feels entirely within your control, it may be your own idea. Trust that with God’s wisdom and power, all things are possible, even the things you feel least equipped to do.

Here are some ways you can press in and hear His voice on a daily basis:

1. Create Quiet Space: Spend time in silence and solitude with God. Distractions often drown out His voice.
2. Pray for Clarity: Ask the Holy Spirit specifically for wisdom, direction, and discernment.
3. Practice Gratitude: Thankfulness keeps your heart soft and attentive to His leading.
4. Worship Regularly: Worship shifts your focus to God, creating an atmosphere where you can hear Him more clearly in your heart.
5. Fast: Fasting helps you tune out the noise of the world and focus on spiritual sensitivity.
6. Journal What You Hear: Write down thoughts, scriptures, or impressions during prayer. Often, God speaks through these quiet times.
7. Obey What You Already Know: Often, clarity comes when we take action on the last instruction God gave us. Faithfulness in small steps builds momentum for hearing and understanding more of His voice. If it feels like you’re not hearing anything new, it’s possible that God is still waiting for you to follow through on what He’s already revealed. Take that step in trust and watch how He meets you there.

Today I want to encourage you whether your calling feels small or monumental, remember that your role is to follow and trust God with the results. The size of the mission doesn’t matter; what does matter is the heart behind it. Don’t give up just because it doesn’t look the way you imagined. If you’re walking in obedience to the Holy Spirit, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Let Psalm 115 remind you today that God blesses those who fear Him, both small and great. Your obedience to His voice, no matter the size of the assignment, carries eternal significance. Trust Him, follow His lead, and rest in the assurance that your faithfulness is never in vain.

Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 115

1 Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth.

2 Why should the Gentiles say, “So where is their God?”

3 But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands.

5 They have mouths, but they do not speak; Eyes they have, but they do not see;

6 They have ears, but they do not hear; Noses they have, but they do not smell;

7 They have hands, but they do not handle; Feet they have, but they do not walk; Nor do they mutter through their throat.

8 Those who make them are like them; So is everyone who trusts in them.

9 O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.

10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.

11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.

12 The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron.

13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great.

14 May the Lord give you increase more and more, you and your children.

15 May you be blessed by the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.

16 The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord’s; But the earth He has given to the children of men.

17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor any who go down into silence.

18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord!