Psalm - Psalm 8

Psalm 8:9O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth!

Excellent:  majestic, powerful, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, mighty, noble, principal, worthy
Your name:  by implication honor, authority, character
All: the whole; hence, all, any or every
Earth: nations, world

When I stop and think for just a moment about the majestic, worthy, wondrous the Name of God is — I can’t even grasp the full concept. But what I can grasp makes me praise God and gives me confidence that God is in control.

Just when I think I grasp how excellent, majestic and awe-inspiring God is — He is more than that. 

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent, majestic, worthy is Your name in all the earth! 

Psalm 8 - The majestic name of God! 

Relationship

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes along the paths of the seas. Psalm 8: 8 (AMP)

I’m continually amazed at Max, my parakeet. To think a bird, who has the freedom to fly about the apartment, chooses to sit on my shoulder most of the time. He wants to be near me. 

There is a contrast to the birds that visit on my balcony. They fly away when I get anywhere near the sliding door. The birds outside will come to the balcony for food and water, but they don’t want to be near me. There is no relationship or trust with the wild birds. Rather, Max has learned that he can trust me, and that I care for him. 

My relationships with the wild birds vs Max are very different. The wild birds know that they will find food and water on my balcony, so they come when they are hungry or thirsty. There is no interaction. Max on the other hand, talks to me, likes to be near me. When he gets a down feather stuck in his mouth, he flies to me, knowing that I’ll help him. Max knows that even when I trim his nails, something he hates, that I’m caring for him. 

As I think about the relationships with the birds around me, I have to think also of my relationship with God. Do I see God as only a provider of “food and water”? Do I just go to Him to ask for something, but don’t take spend time with Him? Do I understand that even when God allows things in my life that I don’t like, He is help me and teaching me? 

Relationships are based on trust, and getting to know someone. If I only expect God to give me food and water, I miss out on so much. Yet, building the relationship with God is up to me. God wants me to know Him; He is waiting. 

To create a positive day, I need to work on building my relationship with God.

Even if He Sends Rain

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place. Psalm 8:3 (NIV)

I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Psalm 8:3 (MSG)

Woke up this morning to rain. Not the best weather for enjoying a Race. But as I read Psalm 8, I was reminded that I can’t control the weather—only God can do that! So, I figured God can still create an enjoyable day for me.... even in the rain.  Little did I realize what an awesome gift God was giving me.... BECAUSE of the rain! 

I arrived at Chicagoland Speedway, and it was raining. No thunder or lightening, just rain. I relaxed in the car until the rain let up then went to explore. I was able to talk with an old friend, who was working at the track as a volunteer!  That was really nice. 

Was able to enjoy some of the Chapel Service and get an autograph from Michael McDowell at the K-Love booth.  The rain continued off and on, mostly just a few drops now and then. Nothing heavy. 

I was given an Infield Pass, and was able to join the Air Force at the Infield Stage for the Swearing in Ceremony. As we waited for the Ceremony... the rain started again. And that rain, made the NASCAR people to change the order of events. They decided to introduce the Drivers, BEFORE the Swearing In Ceremony. So, I was able to enjoy the Driver Introductions, from the bottom of the Stage! I couldn’t get any closer! That was a great treat.... and all possible, because of a little rain. 

Today, I was reminded again, that God does things with specific purposes. Today, He used rain to add to my blessings. And I have to say that getting wet, was worth it. 

To create a positive day, I must remember that God is ultimately in control, and even if He sends rain, He has a very good reason! 

Change the Worry into Happy

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

The birds in the ·sky [heavens],  the fish in the sea, and everything that ·lives under water [passes/travels on the paths of the sea. Psalm 8:8 (EXB)

I’ve learned much from Max, my parakeet, over the past 10 years. As much as I want to control him, he does things that I cannot control. He seems to understand some of what I say, “bedtime”, for example. When I say that, he walks over to me and gives me a kiss and looks down the hallway... he is ready to go into his night cage to go to sleep. But does he really understand what I say, or is it that he knows the routine of the night? 

When I watch Max, I’m amazed at how he knows how to clean his feathers. I didn’t teach him that. God instilled that knowledge into birds when he created them. I love Max’s coloring, bright yellow head and green feathers. I can’t change the coloring of his feathers, again God designed Max that way. 

When I think of the birds of the sky, I’m reminded of this verse:

“Look at the birds. They don’t plant, harvest, or gather the harvest into barns. Yet, your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? Matthew 6:26, 27 (GW)

I have an appointment with my Pain Management Dr today. We are going to discuss the next step in trying to reduce the new pain caused by the surgery in April. To be honest, I’m a bit worried about what we might need to try. I really don’t want another procedure that can cause more irritation to the nerves.

But worrying about what MIGHT happen, doesn’t help in anyway. God has a plan and a purpose. He’s proven again and again, that He will put me exactly where He wants me to accomplish His will and purpose. 

Since God cares for the birds—I KNOW He’ll care for me. And as a reminder of God’s care, I’m taking Max with me to my Doctor’s appointment today. My Doctor likes Max and I know that she’ll enjoy seeing him again. 

To create a positive day, I need to change the worry into, as Max would say, “happy”, by trusting that God cares and really does know best. 

Update: Max enjoyed visiting with my Dr., and my Dr really enjoyed Max’s visit! And God once again showed His care and guidance. My Dr. has decided to delay any invasive treatments and opted to try some noninvasive treatments first. Thankful that God helped me change my worry into happy!

Majestic

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 (AMP)

Majestic: astonishing, awe-inspiring, awesome, ceremonious, cool, dignified, elevated, exalted, fab, grand, grandiose, imperial, imposing, lofty, magnificent, marvelous, mind-blowing, monumental, noble, out of this world, regal, royal, smashing, sovereign, stately, stunning, sublime, sumptuous, superb, wonderful, wondrous.

When I stop and think for just a moment about the majestic, awe-inspiring, wondrous the Name of God is..... I can’t even grasp the full concept. But what I can grasp makes me praise God and gives me confidence that God is in control. 

Just when I think I grasp how majestic and awe-inspiring God is.... He is more than that. He surprises me with showing just how majestic He is. 

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! 

Simply repeat that over and over until the fact sinks in! 

To create a positive day.... it starts with saying, O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! Then taking that fact and apply that truth to all that I do. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name.... in all the earth! 

Be Aware

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 (NIV)

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent (majestic and glorious) is Your name in all the earth! Psalm 8:9 (AMP)

Lord: Jehovah, the Lord, self-Existent or Eternal; of deity Yahweh.

His name will be ·Wonderful Counselor [or Wonderful! Counselor!; or Extraordinary Advisor], ·Powerful [Mighty] God, ·Father Who Lives Forever [Eternal Father], Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (EXB)

Lord, our Lord. Wonderful Counselor. Powerful Mighty God. Eternal Father. Prince of Peace.

As I thought about the name of God today, I was in awe and filled with praise. And then I noticed that as I thought about God, I saw Him working details out in my life. The more I meditated on Him, the more aware I was of His presence and His goodness. 

For example: God provided a beautiful day to take care of some errands. I went to my chiropractor to see how things are progressing since surgery. The back needs to heal more before any adjustments, but he was able to work on my neck and the tendon in my hand.

On the way home, I had to stop at the grocery store. I knew I needed to stop at one in particular, since they carry the bread which I can eat, but usually their other foods are more expensive. But I wasn't up to shopping at 2 stores today, so figured since I needed bread, I'd stop there, and get a few things. Well..... God had some great surprises waiting for me!

The bread I needed was 25% off! The meat I wanted was BOGOF and the eggs were on sale! The banana price was lowered since last time I was there, and I was able to get some veggies at good prices too.  Even though the outing was tough physically, it was a very good "spirit" day!

As I was shopping, I couldn’t help but say, “Lord, our (my) Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” 

To create a positive day, I need be aware of God’s presence, for as I become more aware, I see God’s amazing goodness! 

Investigate

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established. Psalm 8:3 (AMP)

When I gaze to the skies and meditate on Your creation—on the moon, stars, and all You have made. Psalm 8:3 (VOICE)

Consider: A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively; advise self, appear, approve, behold, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, perceive, present, regard, (have) respect, spy, stare,think, view.

Investigate (verb) 

1. to examine, study, or inquire into systematically; search or examine into the particulars of; examine in detail.

2. to search out and examine the particulars of in an attempt to learn the facts about something hidden, unique, or complex.

I like mysteries and crime shows. I like to search for the answers and the whys, hows, etc. Investigation intrigues me. In Psalm 8:3 I am to consider, study,  investigate the sky, the Heavens, the stars, the moon, etc. NOT to worship them, but rather see God’s handiwork. Creation in and of itself shows the power, majesty, and vastness of God. As I investigate the things God created, it allows me to gain a greater insight into just how awesome God really is. 

Take our Earth for example. God tilted it at just the precise angle so that it gives us the Seasons. And that fulfills a promise in Genesis 8:22, As long as the earth endures, nothing will put a stop to planting and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. (VOICE)

God in His infinite wisdom created our universe, and beyond with specific, intricate details so that everything works in accordance to His plan. He tilted the earth, so that we’d have Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. He made sure the Earth was positioned close enough to the sun to get heat, but just far enough away so that we would not “burn up”. 

Investigate what God has made and learn of the power, majesty and awesomeness of God almighty. To create a positive day, I only need to investigate God’s creation, for it clearly demonstrates God’s ability, authority and sovereignty. 

Follow the Examples

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The fifteen of each month, I'm studying Psalm 8. Here's what Treasure I found today.

You made him a little less than the angels and gave him a crown of greatness and honor. Psalm 8:5 (NLV)

The angel was made immortal, intellectual, holy, powerful, glorious, and in these properties lay their likeness to the Creator. Henry Melvill, B.D., 1854

What do we know about angels?

Worship and praise - This is the main activity portrayed in heaven (Isaiah 6:1-3; Revelation 4-5).

Revealing - They serve as messengers to communicate God's will to men. They helped reveal the law to Moses (Acts 7:52-53), and served as the carriers of much of the material in Daniel, and Revelation.

Guiding - Angels gave instructions to Joseph about the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1-2), to the women at the tomb, to Philip (Acts 8:26), and to Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8).

Providing - God has used angels to provide physical needs such as food for Hagar (Genesis 21:17-20), Elijah (1 Kings 19:6), and Christ after His temptation (Matthew 4:11).

Delivering - Getting God's people out of danger once they're in it. Angels released the apostles from prison in Acts 5, and repeated the process for Peter in Acts 12.

Strengthening and encouraging - Angels strengthened Jesus after His temptation (Matt 4:11), encouraged the apostles to keep preaching after releasing them from prison (Acts 5:19-20), and told Paul that everyone on his ship would survive the impending shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25).

Answering prayer - God often uses angels as His means of answering the prayers of His people (Daniel 9:20-24; 10:10-12; Acts 12:1-17).

Caring for believers at the moment of death - In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, we read that angels carried the spirit of Lazarus to “Abraham's bosom” when he died (Luke 16:22). 

Dr. John Bechtle

I can’t do all that angels do. However, by following the examples of angels, there are things that I can do. Worship and Praise God. Strengthen and Encourage. Be Involved in Prayer. 

Worship and Praise God.  The angels sing: “Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanks, honor, power, and strength be to our God forever and ever! Amen!” Revelation 7:12 Shouldn’t I do the same? 

Strengthen and Encourage. But at night an angel from the Lord opened the doors to their cell and led them out of the prison. 20 The angel told them, “Stand in the temple courtyard, and tell the people everything about life in Christ.” Acts 5:19-20 (GW) Isn’t the the encouraging message that I need to share, too?

Be Involved in Prayer. God has used angels to answer prayers and provide help. My responsibility is to pray! And need be... help if God calls on me to do so. 

If I follow the examples that the angels demonstrated, that would create a very positive, God honoring day.

Remembering Me & Caring for Me

Throughout this year, each day of the month, I'm "Treasure Hunting" in a Psalm. I've created a "Ponder Every Morsel of Truth" Book to record the truths as I learn them. The fifteen of each month, I'm studying Psalm 8. Here's what Treasure I found today.

But why are people even important to you [What are people that you remember them]? Why do you take care of ·human beings [the son of man]? Psalm 8: 4 (EXB)

What (but why): what is there (common) to me and to thee?, what end, to what purpose.

Man (people): a mortal, humanity, miserable man; man in his fallen state, full of infirmity, ignorance, and sin.

That: expressing consecution, especially after a question implying surprise

Art mindful (remember): recall, call to mind, usually as affecting present feeling, thought, or action.

Son of man: the son of Adam, the sinful son of a sinful father, his son by likeness of disposition.

Visitest him (care): pay attention to, observe with care, practical interest, give a charge, commit, to attend to.

To fully understand Psalm 8:4, you have to read Psalm 8:3: 

I look at your heavens, ·which you made with [the work of] your fingers. I see the moon and stars, which you ·created. (MSG)

When one compares the vast expanse and greatness of the Heavens and all that God created, to mere man— why would God even bother with us? Look at the finite universe in which we live. We are but “ants”  in comparison to the immenseness of all creation. It’s humbling to realize that the Almighty God, Creator of all, remembers mankind—and more importantly, remembers individuals. And God know only remembers each of us, He cares for each of us. 

“[Are not…?] Five sparrows are sold for only two pennies [Greek: assaria; copper coins of very low value], ·and [yet] God does not forget any of them. But ·God even knows how many hairs you have on your head [even the hairs on your head have all been numbered]. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6, 7 (EXB)

Can you grasp that fact? God KNOWS exactly how many hairs are on my head. That means that God knows MORE about me than I know about myself! And not only does God KNOW about me, He CARES about me!

"This is a marvelous thing, that God thinks upon men, and remembers them continually." John Calvin

To create a positive day, I simply need to remember that the Almighty God, Creator of all, is remembering me, and caring for me. 

A Name

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 8. Here is what I learned.

LORD our Lord, ·Your name is the most wonderful name

[How majestic is your name]

in all the earth!

Psalm 8:1 (NXB)

Name. How majestic, grand, magnificent, marvelous, “mind-blowing", monumental, noble is God’s Name. 

The Hebrew word for “Name” means “embodying the (revealed) character”. So what Name of God did the Psalmist use. He actually used two names.

LORD is Yahweh. God’s proper name; His name of deity.

Lord is Adonai. Adonai means master, ruler, owner, and is such a title as is given to an owner of land, to kings, or to rulers, and is applied to God as being the ruler or governor of the universe.

So the very Name of God, Yahweh Adonai is “mind-blowing” in and of itself. Simply because the power and authority in His Name. It reveals Who God is. 

When we hear a name of a celebrity or sport’s player, we immediately associate that name with a characteristic, or action, or something about that person. But when we hear God’s name, how do we react? Of what do we think?  

One of the Ten Commandments is “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” Exodus 20:7 (KJV) 

What does that mean? 

No using the name of God, your God, in curses or silly banter;

God won’t put up with the irreverent use of his name.

Exodus 20:7 (MSG). 

When we lose lack of respect for a person’s name, we also lose respect for the person. This is a sad fact of our society today. People think nothing of swearing and using “OMG” flippantly. 

If we could grasp even the smallest amount of understanding of Who God is, we would begin to understand the magnificence of God’s name and then the very being of God, Himself. 

To create a positive day, I need to respect the very Name of God, for it reveals His character, His ability—Who God is. And when I recognize Who God is, that changes my outlook on life. 

Hit a Brick Wall

There is a kid's action song, "Going on a Bear Hunt". As you hunt for the bear you face obstacles, such as a tree and a river. "You can't go around it. You can't go under it. You have to climb up/down it or swim across it." It's a cute song, and each obstacle you face on the hunt, is easily overcome.

But what happens in real life when we are faced with an obstacle. We come to the end of our ropes or hit a brick wall. We can't climb over it, we can't go around it. We are stuck. Perhaps you are at that point in your life. You have reached your pain threshold, and you injury something else. Or your finances are stretched so thin you can't possible afford one more item, and there is an emergency, like the car dies. 

When we find ourselves facing a brick wall it can be overwhelming. The wall is impenetrable. It looms in front of us and as we stand looking up at the wall, it seems to grow in size. As you stand there, you think it will come crashing down around you, then maybe at least you'd be able to see past the wall as you stand in the midst of chaos.

This week I hit a brick wall. On Thanksgiving Day, I received a "low battery" message on my spinal stimulator IPG (battery pack). And no, you just can't insert a new Duracell battery. It takes surgery to replace the unit. 

Yesterday, I saw my pain management doctor to have the IPG (battery) checked. After running a few tests and talking with tech support, we learned some information. I have a broken link on the paddle that sits on my spinal cord. Right now, it's not a big concern, we'll just watch it. 

As for the IPG (battery) there seemed to be more questions than answers. The plan for now is to "override" the low battery message and see if it will keep working. I left the office with a plan. Later last night, I had additional trouble with the IPG and received new error codes—my wall was growing brick by brick.

The uncertainty of what is happening with the IPG is my brick wall.  Why am I getting the error messages? Am I looking at surgery #9? Does the stimulator provide enough relief to warrant the risk and cost of additional surgeries? The unknowns continue to add layers of bricks to my wall. 

This week in my Bible Study, I was to study Psalm 8 and rewrite it in my words. Here is what I wrote: 

Jehovah, the Lord, You are powerful—excellent, famous, gallant, glorious, goodly, mighty, noble, and worthy. Everything in nature knows your majesty, even the tiniest baby displays your glory.
As I look upward to the vastness of the universe I am humbled and so thankful that You, God, are very aware of each and every detail in my life. It’s comforting to know that You are not surprised by anything happening in my life. You are fully alert—watching, and overseeing each detail.
Everything You’ve made gives You praise and honor, and You chose man to care for it all. As I look upon all that is around me, I too must praise You for You are truly great and worthy of more praise than I can rightly give.

Did you catch the few sentences in the middle?

You, God, are very aware

of each and every detail in my life.

It’s comforting to know that You

are not surprised by anything

happening in my life.

You are fully alert—watching,

and overseeing each detail.

God knew about my "wall" long before I saw it. He hasn't left me without a way to overcome the obstacle. He may help me climb over it, or dig under it, or He may simply take it down brick by brick.  The latter may take some time—my brick wall seems VERY LARGE! However, I can't look at the brick wall as an obstacle or hindrance, it has been allowed by God for a purpose.  God is FULLY ALERT—watching and overseeing EACH detail. 

If I'm standing at a wall,

then it's God who designed

it to be in my life.

And as the Architect,

He knows exactly how to move it. 

I'm standing at a wall. What do I do? I have a choice. I can continue staring at the wall and continue to feel overwhelmed and frustrated. OR I can rest in the assurance that God has a plan and when it's time to move forward He will either remove the wall, or help me overcome it. 

Maybe it's time to sit down

in the shadow of the wall and

let God do His work. 

Some circumstances make creating a positive day harder than others. However, no matter what circumstances I find myself, God is the constant Who does not change. His love is unconditional. He provides peace. He does care.

Even as I face my brick wall, it's possible to create a positive day, if I make that choice. Today, I choose to accept the FACT that God is FULLY ALERT—watching and overseeing EACH detail of my life. And there is comfort in letting God work and design the plan for my life (even if He builds a few walls).

Trusting God in the midst of overwhelming obstacles

is the only way to create a positive day.