APPROPRIATE HUMILITY
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth…When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of Him?” (Psalm 8:1&3).
David was a “man after God’s own heart.” What does this mean?
Perhaps it means to deeply love the object of one’s affection; and to want the very same things they want. The word “after” almost seems to imply that David was literally in pursuit of God’s will and ways. To know intimacy with God as David did, and to also understand that God, his friend, was his Maker often became overwhelming.
In the above passage, David contemplates the majesty of God and the lowliness of man. Truly, the question of man’s worth is warranted in light of God’s glory. The everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth chose to have fellowship with mankind. David pursued God and touched His divine heart. “Who are we Lord that You are mindful of us?” David inquired.
With the contrite spirit of David, we learn how God is honored.
There is a sharp contrast between his words and Pharaohs, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice?” he exclaimed. (Exodus. 5:2). But we also know that the Pharaohs’ fate was to see and hear the crashing of waves closing around them as they perished prideful men.
Appropriate humility is bowing before the One who declares: “To whom will you compare Me? Or who is my equal?” David was able, to some degree, grasp the greatness of His God; and he also knew intimately the infinite love of His Maker. What can a man do but echo David’s words, “What is man that You are mindful of him?”
Precious Lord, may we ever please You. Keep pride far from us. Thank you for the gift of humility with which we may experience your beauty, glory, and majesty. You are truly wonderful!