Him BookSample

READ Psalm 8:1-9.

EXALT OUR MAJESTIC GOD. We are to lift up God’s name, to celebrate Him, to honor Him as the one who sits over and above all things. We see this in how Psalm 8 begins and ends (v. 1-3, 9). The psalm is focused throughout on God’s name and position. Nineteen times, God is referenced directly, either through a pronoun or through a name or title.

In English translations, the word “LORD” with all letters capitalized, indicates the word being translated is “YHWH” which refers to God’s name, the “I AM” God. There are not many gods; there is only the one true God. “Lord” refers to God’s title or position as king over this world. He created it, ordered it, has purposes for it, and He ultimately will be responsible for the judgment of it. Yet, the psalmist David shows the close access we can have to this amazing God by calling Him not just THE Lord but OUR Lord.

God has set His glory in the heavens as a revelation of His majesty. In light of the context of the psalm, the “heavens” refers to not only a place over and above the earth but also the literal heavens that we look to the sky and see (v. 1b, 3). He has created the world with unbelievable detail to inspire us to understand how wonderful and powerful He really is. We look up at the night sky, and it’s beautiful, but a telescope reveals that even the dark spots hold the complexity of thousands of stars.

And, God is greater than His enemies (v. 2) and will triumph over them with the testimony of babies and infants. How eloquent are babies? They cannot articulate a speech! How strong is an infant? Their heads need to be supported! The point is that God does not need our assistance to be triumphant, but He delights in a child’s cry of help being connected to His defeat of an enemy. God is honored when we call upon the LORD (the God who is), our Lord (connecting with Him) with the faith of a child.

Prayer: Lord, your greatness and care astound me! Thank you for the revelation of your majesty and sovereignty in creation. May it strengthen my reliance on you. Amen.