It was a night like any other night. It was David’s responsibility to tend the family flock, to take the sheep out to graze in the wilderness (Ps. 78:70-71). Having secured the flock for the night and lying down to rest, David gazed into the night sky. Inspired by the full moon and the brilliant stars (8:3), he thought of the glory of God and the dignity of humans.
David was mesmerized by the immensity of the heavens, captivated by the majestic grandeur of God’s celestial creation (v.3). He contemplated the glory of the Creator God with the same introductory and concluding words: “O Lord, our Lord, Your majestic name fills the earth!” (vv.1,9).
David was soon confounded and overwhelmed by the significance and dignity God had given to him, a mere man (vv.4-8). He asked, “What are mere mortals that You should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?” (v.4).
God’s special care for man is evidenced when we compare the destinies of the three orders of God’s creation—angels, earth, and humans. All evil angels, including Satan, are condemned to hell (Matthew 25:41). And the earth will be destroyed and replaced by a new earth (2 Peter 3:7,13). Only people will be redeemed and saved (Hebrews 2:16), for they’re very precious to God (Psalm 8:3-5).
David reviewed the pre-fall majesty of man (Psalm 8:6-8; Genesis 1:26-31). People were created “only a little lower than God” (Psalm 8:5). Wow! David then looked forward to the future destiny of humanity, for redeemed humans will be restored, crowned with “glory and honor” (v.5), and will be given “charge of everything [God] made” (v.6). Look in the mirror and realize that God has given you great significance and dignity.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Luke 7:1-17
More:
How does the writer of Hebrews (in 2:6-10) apply Psalm 8 to Jesus and His coming in human flesh, his crucifixion, his resurrection and reign in heaven?
Next:
Go outside on a clear night. Read Psalm 8 and gaze into the sky. What comfort does it bring you to know that God is thinking of you, even now?
lindagma on July 5, 2011 at 6:13 am
What amazes me is that He not only care about us corporately, He cares about us individually…and He speaks to us privately!
winn collier on July 5, 2011 at 12:29 pm
Thanks, KT. This morning, I’ve been thinking about how being awake to God (God’s work, character, grandeur) actually allows us to be more ourselves (more human, more unique). Thanks.
daisymarygoldr on July 5, 2011 at 2:44 pm
After reading this post, the questions that I am being led to ask are: How am I affected with the realization that God has given me such great significance and dignity? What will I do with this knowledge? What should this mean to me? How will it alter the way I have known Him? How much significance does God have in my life?
Do I have any reason to ignore my Creator? Will I continue to rebel against God, reject His love, and become angry to shake my fist at Him? Is it fair to complain, rage and storm against Him? Can I question Him? Am I justified in being disappointed with Him and doubting God’s goodness for me? Is it okay to grieve Him with my sins and unbelief? Can I insist to have my right, my way and my will? Should I demand that He answer my prayers and fulfill all my wants? Is there any excuse to distrust Him, hide from Him or be afraid of Him? Will I ever keep or hold back anything of me or mine from Him…?
Undoubtedly, this knowledge of my significance as a speck is too wonderful and so overwhelms me. The understanding of God’s love for my nothingness compels me to live only for Him as my all-consuming desire. My minuteness contrasted with His majesty as reflected in his colossal creation fills me with such immense sense of awe and wonder—I am going to muse on this throughout all of eternity.
regina franklin on July 5, 2011 at 7:16 pm
kt–what a great devotional! I’ve been thinking about this issue of dignity a great deal. The Lord has challenged me to extend kindness (and recognize dignity) in the people I encounter, just simply smiling, extending a hello or asking someone how he or she is doing. Even to the cashier I don’t know or the clerk in a store. In a world where technology dominates, it’s easy to continue our phone conversations and text messages and miss the beautiful humanity around us. Thanks for a powerful reminder that God’s work is about people!