People will sometimes stop in to see me feeling somewhat down because they are comparing themselves with others. The desire to compare ourselves with others usually stems from insecurity. There are two major problems with comparing ourselves with others. If we think we’re better than the other person, then we may develop pride. Conversely, if we think that the other person is better than us then we become even more insecure.

David gives us a proper perspective as he does not compare himself with others but he focuses upon God. In Psalm eight David gives us a description of God’s glory and man’s dignity.

O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth,
Who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens! (Psalm 8:1)

The Psalmist is not being redundant in this verse. Many Bible translations help us to differentiate that two different Hebrew words are used. The first LORD is all capital letters indicating that it is the Hebrew word, יְהֹוָה Yᵉhôvâh, that signifies the self-Existent or Eternal God. The second Lord is the Hebrew word אֲדֹנָי ʼĂdônây, that can be used for either God or man and it implies one’s master. As David contemplates God’s greatness vis-a-vis man’s lowliness he questions the significance of mankind.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained;
What is man that You take thought of him,
And the son of man that You care for him? (Psalm 8:3-4)

Have you ever questioned your significance? God’s plan for man is revealed in the following verses,

Yet You have made him a little lower than God,
And You crown him with glory and majesty!
You make him to rule over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen,
And also the beasts of the field,
The birds of the heavens and the fish of the sea,
Whatever passes through the paths of the seas. (Psalm 8:5-8)

Personally, I find it encouraging that we are made a little lower than God rather than a little higher than the apes. The word for God is אֱלֹהִים ʼĕlôhîym, and this word may be used for God or angels. The writer of the book of Hebrews quotes this passage when referring to Jesus and concludes with this statement,

But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:9-10)

Let’s summarize the significance of this messianic Psalm. Man was made in the image of God to have dominion over His creation.The devil however, deceived mankind and the fall affected all aspects of creation. Jesus, through His death and resurrection defeated sin and death and enables freedom from the devil’s domination to all who acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior. Freedom from the devil is not only eternal life in heaven, but it enables you to experience freedom from the devil’s influence here on earth and become more like the person that God initially created you to be. God enables you to walk in freedom and victory as He brings many sons to glory! When you realize all that God has done for you, then your response is the same as the Psalmist,

O LORD, our Lord,
How majestic is Your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:9)

RickAssociate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

Follow me on twitter:  rickhiggins5