Psalms DAY 3

DAY 3 - Glory in the Heavens

Psalm 19:1-6

Psalm 8 says, “You have set your glory in the heavens.” Everything between here and v.8 is “I love you because…” He uses a Hebrew poetry pattern, repeating ideas and building more each time, until he reaches the peak. First, he praises God for making the world, then praises God for making people. “God, I love you because you made the universe! You’ve set your glory in the heavens!” “God, I love you because you love us.” World, people, world, people, world, people.

We’ve just witnessed one of the most amazing parts of creation this week with the eclipse. A BBC newscaster called it “an almost uncanny cosmic coincidence.” The moon is just the right size and distance from us to block out the sun. Psalm 19, another psalm of praise, also praises God for creation.

Back in Psalm 8, this back and forth builds and builds until v.4-6. This is the apex of the love song. The psalmist is flabbergasted gazing up at galaxies and gas giants that THEIR MAKER cares about us, too. “When I consider your heavens…what is humankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?”

I know that feeling and maybe you do, too. Staring out at the endless ocean, dwarfed by mountains, terrified by thunderstorm winds. Doesn’t it make you feel small? 

But his point is the opposite: the God who made all that still cares about us!

REFLECT
When you look at the bigness and beauty of creation, does it make you feel small or something else?

PRAYER
Lord, the heavens declare your glory. Help me to love you even more because of your beautiful world. I love you, Lord! Amen.