Gems from the Psalms (7)

Who am I?

Neville Turley

What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? Psalm 8:4 (NIV)

Have you ever in the still of the night looked up into the moonlit sky and marvelled at the brilliant array of stars glittering like diamonds in the velvety darkness?  Comparing the beauty and vastness of God’s majestic creation to one’s self is a humbling experience.  It leaves one feeling very small and insignificant indeed.

Centuries before Christ, David also looked up into the night sky and was so blown away by the experience, he began questioning God. 

He asks God, What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? And he receives a divine revelation.  You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honour.  You made him ruler over the works of your hands.  You put everything under his feet.

There is a book by Gary Younger entitled Who are we? And should it matter in the 21st century?  The biblical answer to that is, “Yes it matters very much.”

God has entrusted humankind with his entire creation.  This is what distinguishes humans from all other forms of life. 

He has made us guardians of his creation and we will be answerable to God for what we make of it.  It is an awesome responsibility.  How can individuals with a limited circle of influence possibly fulfil such an obligation?

Micah, the prophet, laid down a blueprint for us.  What does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.  Micah 6:8

Praise God we are not expected to make that walk alone.  The God of justice and love as revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ will be with us each step of the way.  Guided by the Holy Spirit, we can go forward in faith, carrying out his will to his glory.

Prayer: Almighty God. through the power of the Holy Spirit, instil in us, reverence for your creation and respect for every person. For Jesus sake. Amen