Today’s scripture: Psalm 8 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Michael Landon):
How many times have you heard or perhaps said yourself, “I don’t have what it takes to do x, y, or z . . .” or “I’m not gifted enough, or prepared enough, or strong enough . . .” or “God couldn’t really use me or need me — someone else would be much better suited . . .”? In other words, how often do we try to convince ourselves or others that we are not capable of accomplishing something that might seem difficult or seemingly out of our comfort zone? Insecurities and fear far too often convince us that we are somehow incapable or unworthy. Far more often than I really care to admit, I have to tell my inferiority complex to take a hike. I find the strength to do this when I spend time immersing myself in scripture and listening for God’s perspective of my capabilities; and more importantly, of God’s capabilities.
Psalm 8 is full of wondrous imagery and in-depth questions. The psalmist is taking a moment to reflect on the wonders of creation and is humbled by the magnificence, beauty, and splendor of it all. There is a sense of awe and wonder. The psalmist ponders the significance of humanity in comparison to all the rest of creation. The psalmist feels a bit small (insecure). ”What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?” (verse 4; NRSV).
Then comes a deepening sense of awe in verse 5: “YET you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honor . . .” The phrase, “a little lower than God,” is sometimes translated as “a little lower than the angels.” Translators have a difficult time deciding just how to translate and interpret the Hebrew language here, as it is not a very common phrase. All Hebrew words can be traced back to a basic three consonant root word. In the case of this phrase, the word stems from the root PaQaD. At its core, this word means, “lacking little.” So another way that this verse could be translated is: “YET you have made them lacking little, and crowned them with glory and honor . . .”
The only thing that we are lacking is divinity. God created us with all that we need and has crowned us with glory and honor. Out of all the beings in creation, we were chosen to be created in God’s own image, and we have been given responsibility to care for the world around us. This can be both awe inspiring as well as overwhelming. However, it is important to keep in mind that God has not sent us off with these responsibilities all by ourselves. Not only is God with us, but we are also surrounded with an equally gifted community of beings that “lacks little.”
We are not alone. So the next time you find yourself feeling insecure, remind yourself that you’ve got this, because you were created lacking little. Then remind yourself of Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Thought for the day: What have I been avoiding doing or accomplishing because of fears and insecurities? What is God inviting me to take on?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.