Daily Devotion for January 31, 2024

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Psalm 8.

I was first introduced to the timeless truth of this Psalm in high school choir. The lines of the anthem echoed (in a very formal style) the words from verses 4-5 from the King James Version. “What is man that Thou art mindful of him and the son of man that Thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”

In later years, Linda Lee Johnson wrote the words and Tom Fettke composed the music for a similar choir anthem, “The Majesty and Glory of Your Name.” The first line begins, “When I gaze into the night sky and see the work of your fingers, the moon and stars, suspended in space, but what is man that you are mindful of him?”

This Psalm is a foundational and centering scripture passage. It continues to offer new understandings each time we read it. The Psalmist writes from his own perspective and from an understanding that he is a part of God’s greater creation and community. He gives his readers then and now, perspective on who God is, who we are and on the incredible grace of the relationship God extends toward all of humankind!

“When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place….” This is the Psalmist’s incredible description of God! And within this perspective he then asks “....what is man…?”

Thankfully, the Psalmist offers the surprise response to his own question! God is mindful of humankind and is not only mindful, but cares for humankind! God not only cares but has given humankind the responsibility to join God in caring for all God has created!

The last verse repeats the first verse of praise, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” The Psalmist weaves in with one simple word the sense of community, “Our Lord…” We hear Jesus echo this understanding in the prayer he taught his disciples. “Our Father….give us our daily bread….forgive us, as we forgive….lead us….deliver us….” There is more of a community mindset. The Psalmist keeps in mind that he is a part of a greater community who belongs to God.

Personal Worship Option:

How would the words of our prayers change if we keep the greater community in mind when we pray? How might God open our eyes and ears to see and hear the cries of others as we pray?