A Word from Psalm 8

Some of you know that I tend to make it to the church office fairly early in the morning. And as a result, I often get to enjoy a few quiet moments, when the moon is still lighting up the sky and our community is still calm and at peace. And even when I know the day is going to be busy ~ and even when I know that there will be challenges, many of which are far bigger than I can handle ~ I'm reminded that God reigns...and that there is a joyous sacredness to life, which we should be eager not to forget.

And that, I suppose, is why today's word comes from Psalm 8, which reminds us not only of the wondrous world in which we live, but also of the unique role that God has given us in the world. As the psalmist puts it...

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— 

     the moon and the stars you set in place— 

what are mere mortals that you should think about them, 

     human beings that you should care for them? 

Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels 

     and crowned them with glory and honor. 

You gave them charge of everything you made, 

     putting all things under their authority— 

the flocks and the herds 

     and all the wild animals, 

the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, 

     and everything that swims the ocean currents. 

O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! (8:3-9; NLT)

So, may God's name "fill the earth" through us today, as we live in such a way as to bring Him praise. Amen.