23rd.: Psalm 8, Pondering Man’s Stature
David contemplated God's great faithfulness with,
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon, and the stars, which thou has ordained.
What is man that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man that thou visits him?
For thou has made him a little lower than the angels, and has crowned him with glory and honor.” (Ps. 8:3-5).
Compared to the universe, and angels, mankind has relatively little power.
There is nothing innate in man’s power, ability, or character that warrants God noticing us.
If anything, humankind's moral character is repugnant to God. (see Psalm 19:12-13; Psalm 25:11, Psalm 32:1-5; Psalm 51)
David’s question can then be taken as,
‘Why would a God, who is so mighty, and righteous, stoop down to someone, who is so offensive in character?’
David is nevertheless glad that God does value him.
Implicit in David’s remark is a heart that does not think too highly of itself.
Although we may sometimes praise and like to hobnob with celebrities who boast in themselves,
in quieter moments, we generally prefer to be around the unpretentious.
Likewise, a modest attitude appeals to God’s heart.
This is an attitude we must foster, if we expect to seek - and find - God’s heart.
“I am meek and lowly in heart.” –Jesus (Matt 11:29b)