Glory All Around Us

O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

Psalm 8:1 (ESV)

During November we were exploring Psalm 8 together. It is a vibrant psalm of praise considering creation and humanity's place in it. David considers the wonders of the vast universe he can see in the night sky- distant stars and celestial objects out in space. He then wonders at how the creator of all around him can take such an interest in humanity- surely hardly anything special when compared to the awe inspiring sights a mind-bogglingly big universe has to offer?

Yet, David insists, humanity has not just been merely noticed by God. It has been loved, elevated and marked out for a special assignment- or as David puts it, 'crowned with glory and honour'. God created and passionately loves humanity. We are special because God says we are. We are custodians of this incredible planet- full of beauty and wonder.

While we considered this, we thought of particular aspects of creation that inspire us. A horizon of the sea at sunset, the glorious colours in nature at this time of year, the diversity of wildlife, (personally I can't look at a puffin without praising God for such an amazing bird), weather patterns, the curve of a snail shell, through to contemplating the vast distances of space. The sun's light takes eight minutes to travel to us, the nearest stars- over four years. We realised all this is part of God's creation, and by his grace, we are custodians cherished by our creator.

Are there particular aspects of creation which inspire you? Maybe take a few minutes to think and allow yourself to be awestruck by the thought that the One who created all, also cherishes you?