Psalm 8:1-4…“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” Vss. 3-4a
The psalmist had been contemplating the heavens and marveling at the wonder of it all. Because in those days there was no light pollution it’s likely that every night he was treated to a show, the likes of which few of us have seen. The night sky would have been alive with stars and galaxies, many of which by that time, would have had names. And he was awestruck! It was all so wonderful and mysterious, and its intricacies beyond his understanding. And we who have had a chance to look at the photographs taken from the James Webb Space Telescope know exactly what he meant.
In fact, because we know so much more about space than did the psalmist, we completely understand his conclusion, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” We are so puny, and our life expectancies so miniscule, that we can’t help but be humbled by our obvious insignificance. We are tempted to believe that if the human race were wiped out, the universe would neither notice nor care.
But the psalmist’s conclusion did not lead him to despair. Instead it only increased his sense of wonder and thanksgiving. The fact that we are alive on this speck of a planet is so improbable that we are bound to give God daily thanks and praise. Against all odds we are alive! Wow, what a gift!
Thought for the Day: How do I show daily appreciation for life?
0 Comments