Over the next eight weeks, we will read through some of David’s most beloved, beautiful and spiritually-rich Psalms. These passages have touched faithful hearts for 3,000 years, and I trust they will draw you closer to God as well. I have decided to use the New Living Translation for this series of devotions, which I hope will bring these familiar passages to life in new and fresh ways.
Psalm 8:1-2
O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
Your glory is higher than the heavens.
You have taught children and infants
to tell of your strength,
silencing your enemies
and all who oppose you.
Montana is known as “big sky country” and for good reason. The high plains have a way of stretching the sky and expanding the horizon. I love the beauty of rugged mountains and the vastness of the ocean, but there is something special about driving through the wide open spaces of our grand nation, being able to see miles in every direction and feeling small under the great dome of blue firmament. What we can see and experience of God’s beautiful world, even in those places where we can take in huge sweeps of land and sky, only scratches the surface of creation, and God’s name and His unmatched glory fill it all and beyond.
God’s name isn’t just something to call him. In the Old Testament, God is known as The Lord, which stands for the Hebrew name Yahweh, God’s personal and revelatory name that David and all the Israelites would have used until it was decided that God’s name was too holy to say out loud. Of course, scripture gives us other names for God, each revealing some aspect of his divine nature. Whatever name we use for God, what matters is what those names stand for. God’s name is majestic because He is majestic. In our limited human expressions, we attempt to describe the indescribable, naming what is too glorious to name. And yet, God has revealed himself to us, even inviting us to call him by name. Why? So we can know and love him. Even “children and infants” can know God and tell of his strength, even people like you and me.
Jesus called God “Father” and taught us to do the same. Our great God, like his name, is majestic, and He is also good, loving and kind like a father who cares for his children. With David, we rejoice in who God is, in all He has done for us, and in the wonderful grace that allows us to know him by name through Jesus our Savior.
O Lord, my Heavenly Father, You are majestic and glorious above all things. Thank You for revealing Yourself in the world and even to me. Help me to tell of Your love and strength so others can join in praising Your mighty name, through Jesus our Savior. Amen.
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Pastor Mike Mirakian
