There are days when it's challenging to find something encouraging and inspirational, especially if I limit my search to what is on the news or to what is outside my window on a cold, dreary, rainy day. BUT, when I go to the Psalms, I can always find comfort, beauty, truth, and restoration for my soul.
Today I am looking at Psalm 8, and I want to turn your attention to it as well. This psalm focuses foremost on the majesty and glory of the Lord, then goes on to explain the position and dignity of mankind (as God intended it to be).
O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth, You who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! 2 From the mouths of infants and nursing babies You have established strength Because of Your enemies, To do away with the enemy and the revengeful.
3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have set in place; 4 What is man that You think of him, And a son of man that You are concerned about him? 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! 6 You have him rule over the works of Your hands; You have put everything under his feet, 7 All sheep and oxen, And also the animals of the field, 8 The birds of the sky, and the fish of the sea, Whatever passes through the paths of the seas.
9 Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!
("The moon and stars which You (God) have set in place")
Magnificent God who is above all the earth looked down on man, gave attention to him, and put him in charge of "everything under his feet." We are in charge of God's creation. What a privilege. What a responsibility. But most of all, what a great and wonderful God.
One of my favorite choir anthems of all time is the setting of this psalm composed by Tom Fettke. I loved it so much that I suggested it to our daughter Laura for the processional in her wedding. It was so very beautiful. Tears flowed as I listened to it today. Please worship the One True God while you listen to it also. This rendition was sung by the choir at First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas back in 2015. It only takes 5 minutes, 22 seconds. You'll be glad you took the time to listen and watch.
Have a great Valentine's Day weekend. Enjoy and appreciate the people you love.