God’s Saving Word: Praise and Thanksgiving
Introduction
Psalm 8: This psalm of praise describes the role of human beings in relation to all of creation. The psalm begins and ends with the same verse, celebrating God’s greatness in all the world.
Scripture Reading
God’s Glory and Human Dignity[a]
8 O Lord, our Lord,
your greatness is seen in all the world!
Your praise reaches up to the heavens;
2 it is sung by children and babies.
You are safe and secure from all your enemies;
you stop anyone who opposes you.
3 When I look at the sky, which you have made,
at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places—
4 what are human beings, that you think of them;
mere mortals, that you care for them?
5 Yet you made them inferior only to yourself;[b]
you crowned them with glory and honor.
6 You appointed them rulers over everything you made;
you placed them over all creation:
7 sheep and cattle, and the wild animals too;
8 the birds and the fish
and the creatures in the seas.
9 O Lord, our Lord,
your greatness is seen in all the world!
Today’s Key Verse: Psalm 8:1a
O LORD, our Lord, your greatness is seen in all the world!
Reflect
Reread verses 5-8. What do these verses say about human beings? The description is similar to what is recorded in Genesis 1:26-28 (see the reading from November 1). Regarding human beings, according to verses 5 and 6, God has “crowned them with glory and honor” and “appointed them rulers over everything [God] made” and “placed them over all creation.” Does such glory and honor carry responsibilities for human beings with regard to creation? What are your thoughts?
Pray
Sovereign God, your greatness is seen in all the world. Teach me to be a faithful steward of your creation. With a thankful heart, I sing praises to you and glorify your holy name. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Psalm 29: A hymn in praise of the LORD’s mighty voice.