Day 3

Psalm 8

Psalm 8 is a well-known chapter that sings the praises of God for how He chose to include you
and I in his beautiful work of creation. We are not only part of God’s creation, but we were
bestowed the title of rulers of all that was created. In my opinion, the most profound verses of
Psalm 8 read as follows. “What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you
care for him?” The Creator of the universe invites us to have dominion over the earth and to be
in a relationship with him. Could it get any better than that?

While having dominion over the land looks quite different than it did when Adam and Eve
walked the earth, the principle remains. As we look at the world around us, we see signs of
God’s perfect design everywhere. The great outdoors might not be very inspiring in January with
withered trees and dull grass, but we know that spring will welcome a cascade of green and
vibrant pastels. All of nature will awaken and things will begin to grow again, according to God’s
design. Trees will grow taller and wider, the constellations will dot our skies night after night,
and occasionally a marvelous sunset will leave us speechless. Matthew 6 tells us that if God
gives so much attention to the lilies of the field and the birds of the air, how much more will He
care for us? There is comfort in admiring the beauty of creation, and I believe God
intended it that way.

To look upon God’s creation and notice its beauty is heartwarming, but that’s not the ultimate
reason we were given dominion over the earth. As Paul David Tripp said, “… when you’re
looking at the beauty that surrounds you in the physical world that’s your present home,
require yourself to look beyond the signs to the stunning beauty of the God whom each sign
points. Only his beauty can give you hope, strength, and peace. Only his beauty can give you
life.” His beauty is this, that He would willingly send his only Son to dwell among sinners and be
crucified for sins He did not commit. His blood would be shed to wash away our sins and He
would rise from the grave so that we can commune with God. The most beautiful thing in all of
universe is not what was made, but Who made it all. God’s heart is the ultimate source of
beauty.

Each day is filled with beautiful reminders of God’s love. In 2024, let's look for the lilies and
the birds that are shouting the praises of our Creator, and let’s join creation in singing the
praises of God’s beauty and majesty.

By: Kirby Alexander