Psalm 117

Jun 29, 2025    Pastor Rev. Craig T. Smith

1. Further Devotional Thoughts


Psalm 117, though short, is global in scope and eternal in impact. In just two verses, we are reminded of God's expansive heart and enduring faithfulness. The word "peoples" is a beautiful plural—it speaks to God's desire for worship not just from individuals or one nation, but from every nation, tribe, and language.


This psalm reminds us:

Worship is not just personal—it is missional.

God’s love is not just enduring—it is expansive.

The Great Commission is not a church program—it is God’s plan for the world.

The call to “extol the Lord” is for every person, everywhere. But how will they praise Him if they have never heard of Him? Until every people group has access to the gospel, missions remains essential. God doesn’t just want to be known—He deserves to be praised by all peoples.


2. Discussion Questions

Icebreaker:

What’s the most surprising or unusual plural word you’ve ever heard?

Sermon-Based Questions:

Why is it significant that Psalm 117 uses the word “peoples”?

How does this short psalm connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28?

What does it mean to say that “missions exists because worship doesn’t”?

How have you personally seen the gospel as a message for all peoples, not just your own culture?

What can we do to engage in God’s global vision—even from our local context?

Who in your life might be part of today’s “hidden peoples”—those with little or no access to the gospel?

What are some ways we can become better “senders” and “goers”?


3. Daily Devotionals for Adults (Monday–Saturday)

Monday – Psalm 117:1

Reflect on the command: “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!”

🡺 Who is God calling to worship? How does this verse challenge our view of God’s global mission?

Tuesday – Revelation 7:9-10

John’s vision of heaven includes people from every nation and language.

🡺 How does this future vision motivate you to take part in God’s mission now?

Wednesday – Genesis 12:1–3

God’s promise to Abraham includes a blessing for all nations.

🡺 How does Jesus fulfill this promise? What does that mean for your role in God’s plan?

Thursday – Matthew 28:18–20

The Great Commission commands us to make disciples of all nations.

🡺 What part can you play in obeying this command—locally or globally?

Friday – Romans 10:13–15

Paul asks, “How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

🡺 Who is waiting to hear from you? Who can you pray for, text, or invite today?

Saturday – Psalm 117:2

“Great is His steadfast love… the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”

🡺 Reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life. How can His love motivate you to share the gospel?


4. Daily Devotionals for Children (Monday–Sunday)

Theme: God Wants All People to Praise Him!

Memory Verse:

“Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” — Psalm 117:1

Monday – God Made All People

Read: Genesis 1:27

Activity: Draw pictures of people from different countries.

Talk: God made everyone special, and He loves all people!


Tuesday – God Loves the Whole World

Read: John 3:16

Activity: Find your country and another one on a map or globe.

Talk: God loves every person in every country!


Wednesday – Jesus Sends Us to Tell Others

Read: Matthew 28:19

Activity: Make a “Jesus Loves You” card and give it to a neighbor or classmate.

Talk: We can share Jesus right where we live.


Thursday – God’s Love Lasts Forever

Read: Psalm 117:2

Activity: Trace a heart and write “God’s love lasts forever” inside.

Talk: Nothing is stronger than God’s love!


Friday – The Church Helps People Know Jesus

Read: Romans 10:14

Activity: Act out someone telling a friend about Jesus.

Talk: Who can you tell about Jesus this week?


Saturday – All People Will Praise God One Day

Read: Revelation 7:9

Activity: Create a “praise parade” with instruments or songs.

Talk: One day, people from everywhere will praise God together!


Sunday – Let’s Praise God Today!

Read: Psalm 117:1 again

Activity: Sing a praise song as a family.

Talk: When we sing to God, we join a global choir of worshipers!


5. Daily Devotionals for Youth (Monday–Sunday)

Theme: Living Out God’s Global Mission


Monday – Big Vision, Small Psalm

Read: Psalm 117

Reflection: How does this two-verse psalm challenge your view of God’s heart for the world?


Tuesday – Global Future

Read: Revelation 7:9–10

Challenge: Spend 5 minutes praying for a nation you've never been to. Use a world map app or resource.


Wednesday – Missional Purpose

Read: Matthew 28:18–20

Reflection: God gives you the same commission He gave the disciples. Where is He sending you?


Thursday – Unreached Around Us

Read: Romans 10:14–15

Challenge: Reach out to a friend who doesn’t know Jesus. Send a kind message or prayer.


Friday – Faithfulness and Urgency

Read: Psalm 117:2

Reflection: God’s love is enduring—but our opportunity to share is brief. What’s one step you can take today?


Saturday – Your Generation’s Mission

Read: Acts 13:47

Challenge: Post something online that points people to Jesus. Use your platform with purpose.


Sunday – Sent and Supported

Read: 3 John 1:5–8

Reflection: How can you support missions—by praying, giving, going, or encouraging others?