Man’s Place In Creation
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Joshua 7: 1-26 and Psalm 8 (NIV)
(Kenneth Lui, SGM Core Team)
READ:
Psalm 8:3-8, the main meditation of this beautiful hymn of praise.
OBSERVE:
The comparison between God’s vast creation of the universe, moon and stars to the much less significant human beings. Yet, at the same time, these humans have been created and crowned in God’s glory and majesty, chosen to perform the important role of glorifying God and ruling over the works of His hands.
APPLY:
‘Comparison is the thief of joy’ rings very true in life. This can start early in our childhood when our parents compare us to our peers. Even in adulthood, I find myself constantly making comparisons with others just to assure myself that I am not falling behind. While meditating on this passage, what spoke to me was that comparison can be used in a good way to not rob joy from our lives. In the same way that humans seem insignificant compared to God’s majestic splendour, we can view the problems that we have as smaller than the larger issues the rest of the world faces. Hopefully, that helps us give thanks for what we have. And when we feel small and helpless, we can feel encouraged that we have been appointed by God to be rulers over the works of His hands (v6) and crowned in His glory and honour (v5). Man’s place in creation is clearly shown in this Psalm, and we can choose to compare positively instead of negatively, depending on how you wish to view your predicament or situation in life.
DO:
I will give thanks and remember that every blessing in my life comes from God.
I will remain in a posture of awe at the magnificent universe God has created and placed me in.
I will pray for strength against the sin of envy.
PRAY:
I give thanks to You for everything You have given to me, both for the blessings You have showered on me and the obstacles You have placed in my life. Teach me not to place too much significance on the trials that I face and help me to trust in Your sovereign will when I feel helpless and powerless. Guide me as I fulfil the purpose You have set out for me here on earth. Amen.
