Psalm 8: Reviving wonder in midlife

What Psalm 8 has to teach us about rediscovering the beauty of creation

Remember being a child when almost everything felt awesome? A rock, a pine cone, or a bit of moss could mesmerize me for hours at just four years old. Every day was an adventure, an opportunity to explore the world God made. Then, along come the child-raising years and we are offered a fresh opportunity to rekindle our wonder. They remind us to see the world through untainted eyes. It’s a blessing to recover that sense of awe alongside them.

But as our children grow into adults and we begin the empty nest years, that wonder often fades away. Responsibilities weigh us down, and we become entrenched in daily routines. Now that my children are grown, I sometimes xperience a wonder deficit. My daughter even introduced me to the current term:

Meh: mediocre; lackluster; uninspiring

The older I get, the easier it becomes to slip into thinking that life is just, well, meh. I often forget to enjoy the wonders of God’s creation around me. I plod through my day without pausing to appreciate the beauty that God places in my path.

I’m certain that isn’t the way God intended us to live. Psalm 8 emphasizes our relationship with God and how we should perceive the life He has gifted us:

"Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!"

-Psalm 8:1 (NIV)

Embracing the Beauty of Creation

Psalm 8 continues on to articulate the wonders of creation. It talks about everything from starry skies to ocean depths, with human beings highlighted as the pinnacle of God’s creative efforts. Reading this Psalm not only rekindles my sense of wonder; it also leads me to ponder:

How can I rebuild my sense of wonder in all that God has made and all that God has done for me?

This question resonates with many mid-lifers, including myself. In Wednesday's reading, we will witness how even the wisest man, Solomon, lost his sense of awe and succumbed to cynicism. However, there's hope! We can learn and grow wiser from his experience.

As you journey through the scriptures this week, take time to explore the reflection questions. And then, dedicate a few moments each day for a treasure hunt of the wonders mentioned in Psalm 8:

• Soak up some sunshine on your face - verse 1

• Engage with little children and see the world through their eyes - verse 2

• Look up at the stars during the night - verse 3

• Reflect on God's love for you - verse 4

• Admire artwork that showcases the creative talents He has gifted to humanity - verse 5

• Consider the ways humans care for creation - verse 6

• Teach your dog a new trick and enjoy the interaction - verse 7

• Observe birds in trees or feed ducks in a pond - verse 8

• Acknowledge God's majesty in creation and thank Him for specific things you see - verse 9

Let's restore our sense of wonder this week as we revel in the amazing gifts of God's creation!

Readings and Reflection Questions

Monday's Reading: Psalm 8

Reflection Questions: What aspects of nature most clearly speak to you about God's glory? How can you connect with nature to inspire awe for God and His creative genius?

Tuesday's Reading: Genesis 1

Reflection Questions: How does the creation account relate to Psalm 8? Why is it significant that each creation day ends with God declaring it "good"? What makes God's creation of humans "very good"?

Wednesday's Reading: Ecclesiastes 1

Reflection Questions: Ecclesiastes, penned by Solomon, argues the futility of life without a relationship with God. In the first chapter, reflect on how this futility impacts enjoyment. Identify verses that resonate with your current feelings. Pray about how God may want you to address those feelings through action. Write down any insights God provides.

Thursday's Reading: Matthew 21:1-17

Reflection Questions: In this passage, Jesus references Psalm 8:2. How does Matthew help clarify Psalm 8:2? In what ways did the children’s songs oppose the enemies of Jesus? What songs could you sing that honor God and uplift your spirit? (Hint: Create a playlist for a walk).

Friday's Reading: Revelation 21:1-22:7

Reflection Questions: In the final book of the Bible, God continues to create an ideal environment for His people. How does this new heaven and earth differ from Genesis 1? What aspects of the new heaven and earth inspire awe? Revelation 22:3 mentions there will be no curse—how does this improve the new heaven and earth compared to our current world?

Weekend Reading: Psalm 29 and Psalm 148

Reflection Questions: In Psalm 29, what does "the voice of the Lord" signify? How can it be perceived in the various situations described? Let your voice resonate with creation—read Psalm 148 outside, aloud.