Thursday, September 24, 2009

Praying Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a rapturous song that proclaims David's clarity of vision concerning God's handiwork. In the study of theology, there is a distinction between general and special revelation. Special revelation is the written Word of God. General revelation is the revelation of God through nature. This Psalm focuses on general revelation. David realizes that all of man's accomplishments are but gifts from God and should be dedicated to His service. Verse 3 says: "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained...." (NASB) David could look at the sky and see God's hand. What do you see when you look at the sun, moon, stars, mountains, oceans, or nature in general?

The Treasury of David comments on "consider the heavens" as follows: "When I consider thy heavens, etc. Could we transport ourselves above the moon, could we reach the highest star above our heads, we should instantly discover new skies, new stars, new suns, new systems, and perhaps more magnificently adorned. But even there, the vast dominions of our great Creator would not terminate; we should then find, to our astonishment, that we had only arrived at the borders of the works of God. It is but little that we can know of his works, but that little should teach us to be humble, and to admire the divine power and goodness. How great must that Being be who produced these immense globes out of nothing, who regulates their courses, and whose mighty hand directs and supports them all!" Perhaps it is time for us to slow down in the midst of our busy lives in the 21st century and consider the heavens.

Today, slow down and look around you. What do you see? Pray the following:
I consider the handiwork of God O Lord, my Lord, I look around and I see your handiwork everywhere. How majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength Because of Your adversaries. I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; O Lord, my Lord, How majestic is Your name in all the earth!

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