Thank you to Phillip for this week’s MWB
Psalm 8:
God’s creation and our place in it.
I suggest we first read though all nine verses of this Psalm, asking God to speak to us as we read. The psalm is itself a beautiful hymn of praise. As we read we should ask God to help us appreciate the beauty of his creation. You might even like to stand in a sheltered place in your garden on a dark winter morning such as we are experiencing just now and simply be still and listen and wonder. The song of some small birds will be able to be heard and the sound of birds wings as they pass overhead.
Also, thank God for his care for all of us, including those who may seem insignificant in the eyes of the world! Give God time to speak in the stillness that surrounds us.
Ps. 8:1a,9 The greatness of God.
The psalm begins and ends with God himself. God’s name simply means God’s essential nature, now revealed to us in Jesus Christ.
We can praise God for his greatness and remember how majestic his name in all the earth is especially when we may become discouraged by recent world events and our own personal difficulties.
Ps.8:1b,3 Sun, moon and stars.
The beauty of the moon at night amazes us, the sun by day is so powerful we are not able to look directly at it. We cannot count the stars we see in the heavens. Isaiah 40:26 says: Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens:
who created all these?
Ps 8:3-8 God’s human creation
God has made us rulers over the works of his hands, but that does not mean that we can do what we like with the rest of creation. We have not been given freedom to do what we like with creation, but to see that it is used well and for the benefit of all.
Reflection:
You might like to use this psalm this week to guide you in your prayers.
Give praise God for the amazing, beautiful world he created.
Pray for those currently living with the effects of climate change and having to find ways to adapt to hugely different and demanding situations in their countries.
Give thanks for all those who work to protect wildlife and woodlands.