1 Peter 5:8-14; Psalm 8

1 Peter 5:8-14
Yesterday, we ended with that great promise from v. 7, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." Carrying the weight of all our worries and cares is exhausting as well as ineffective, and so it's important to trust God fully with every need.

Today v. 8 tells us to be alert because our enemy the devil seeks to destroy us. This verse compares him to a roaring lion. Just think of it! If you were to step out your door and encounter a fierce roaring lion, I'm sure you would take immediate action (unless of course you were frozen in your tracks!) At the very least, you would recognize the danger, and you would take him seriously. If you think of lions in the wild, what kind of prey do they seek? Well, they likely choose the weakest prey and perhaps one that is separated from its peers or one that is not paying attention. In response to our enemy, we are to be alert, strong in our faith, and connected with other believers. vv. 8-9

Peter ends this letter with more words of encouragement. Though we may suffer for a little while, God, in His kindness, has called us "to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus." God will restore, support and strengthen us and place us on a firm foundation. v. 10

Psalm 8
When we think about the vast universe--and scientists are discovering more about it all the time--and we know that God is far greater than all that, why would He pay any attention to mere, weak, lowly human beings such as us?
"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.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers--the moon and the stars you set in place--what are people that you should think about them,
Mere mortals that you should care for them?" vv. 1-4

Why indeed are we important to God?

• God made us in His image and therefore we have dignity. v. 5 (God's image in us has been marred because of our sin, but it is restored through our relationship with His son, Jesus Christ.)
• He has given us charge over His creation. We should respect it and take care of it, but we should not worship it! vv. 6-8

"O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!" v. 9