April 4th - Reading 2: Psalm 6-9

“What is man that You are mindful of him?” (Psalm 8:4)

As a shepherd by trade, David likely spent many a dark night out with his sheep. One can imagine that he often “considered” the heavens, as he writes in Psalm 8. Observing the immensity of the universe, he marvels “What is man that You are mindful of Him?” 

If we contemplate the complexity of His creation, we too will marvel that He cares for each of us individually. If we try to wrap our minds around the fact that every hair on our head is numbered (Luke 12:7) and that He is intimately acquainted with all our ways (Psalm 139:3), it is too much for us to grasp.

Not only does He know all things about each of us, but He also cares about, and is involved in, the details of our lives. In Psalm 9, David reminds us that our God is a refuge for the oppressed, a defense in times of trouble, and that He will not forsake those who seek Him and place their trust in Him (Psalm 9:9-10). What comfort.

David also knew that sometimes we need times of trouble in order to recognize our need for the Lord. He petitions, “Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men” (Psalm 9:20).

This is an appropriate prayer for us to pray today, not only over our nation and our world, but over our church and each one of us individually. Together, let’s ask Him to put us all in an appropriate awe and fear of Him, so we see ourselves to be “but men.” Only He can quicken our consciences, convicting us of our sin.

May we all ask Him for His reality check, so we will see who we truly are — just sinful people in need of our Savior. Whether it is a need to repent and turn from sin, or a need for wisdom and provision to get through the next 24 hours, we all need Jesus.