Psalm 8: God is Great!

I love Psalm 8!

My life application Bible states the theme of this chapter like this - "The greatness of God assures the worth of mankind." Awesome statement!

How do we see the greatness of God in Psalm 8? David begins by declaring that the Lord’s name is majestic in all the earth. There is no greater name! Then David continues through the rest of the psalm to describe aspects of God’s greatness. I was struck with how many times David used the word "You." Everything is created and orchestrated by God. He calls the shots! In His dominion He decides where creation is placed and how it is to function. No outside opinions offered. David finds himself pondering the greatness of God as he reflects upon all God has created. Have you ever been there?

And what is David’s response? He is humbled, humbled by the fact that God made him a ruler over his creation - not because he deserved it or asked for it but because God had ordained it. He is humbled by the fact that a majestic God whose glory is above the heavens would be mindful of and care for him, a creation. He is humbled by the fact that God who alone is worthy of praise would crown him with glory and honor.

How does this assure man’s worth? This question is appropriate because in one sense it is correct to see man’s unworthiness when pondering the greatness of God. We are nothing in and of ourselves. We are created beings just like a worm is a created being. And it gets worse when we see and ponder our sinfulness before the Lord. But under the greatness of God, it is God-glorifying to see our worthiness as well. He chooses to love us, to take care of us, and to offer salvation to us. This is worthiness.

So next time you begin to feel unworthy because you didn’t make the grade you wanted, your job is not what you expected, you keep making the same mistakes over and over again, and you can’t handle the pressures life throws at you with grace and perfect faith, take a moment to step out and look at the sky. Ponder His greatness, and let the reality of His enormous and determined love for you be the basis of your worthiness and the foundation of your adoration of Him. Your outlook will be changed. All else pales in comparison to the greatness of our God.

"O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your Name in all the earth!"

I love you, guys.
Amy

Interesting Note: The writer of Hebrews mentions Psalm 8:4-6 in chapter 2:5-9. We are obviously not the perfect rulers of this earth. Everything is not perfectly "under our feet". But Jesus fits that role perfectly and by becoming the perfect God-man, He has provided salvation for us. Check it out!