As teenagers, it’s easy to feel insignificant in a world that seems so big and overwhelming. It’s important to remember that we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by God. Psalm 8 teaches us about the majesty of God and the importance of our role in His creation. This lesson will help us understand the significance of Psalm 8 and how we can apply it to our lives.
Bible Reading: Psalm 8:1-2
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.
Explanation
- The opening lines of Psalm 8 remind us of the greatness of God and how His glory is above all things.
- The mention of babies and infants shows that even the weakest among us can still be used by God to accomplish great things.
- God’s power and strength are shown to be greater than any enemies or opposition we may face.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What do you think it means that God’s glory is above the heavens?
- How does it make you feel to know that even the weakest among us can still be used by God?
- What are some ways we can rely on God’s strength when facing opposition?
Bible Reading: Psalm 8:3-5
When I look at 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, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.
Explanation
- This section of Psalm 8 emphasizes the beauty and grandeur of God’s creation, specifically the stars and moon in the heavens.
- The psalmist marvels at how insignificant humans seem in comparison to the vastness of the universe, yet God still cares for us.
- We are reminded that we were created with a specific purpose and crowned with glory and honor by God.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What do you think it means to be “crowned with glory and honor” by God?
- Why do you think it’s important to remember that we were created with a specific purpose?
- What are some ways we can show gratitude to God for caring for us despite our smallness?
Bible Reading: Psalm 8:6-9
You have given him dominion 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 along the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Explanation
- This final section of Psalm 8 highlights the responsibility that comes with being made in God’s image.
- Humans are given dominion over all of God’s creation, which means we have a duty to take care of it.
- The psalm ends with a reminder of God’s majesty and greatness.
Youth Group Discussion Questions
- What does it mean to have dominion over all of God’s creation?
- How can we honor God by taking care of His creation?
- In what ways can we show reverence for God’s majesty and greatness?
Youth Group Game: “Creation Charades”
Divide the group into teams and give each team a piece of paper with a different element of creation written on it (e.g. sun, tree, bird, water). Each team takes turns acting out their creation without speaking while the rest of the group guesses what it is.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank you for creating us fearfully and wonderfully. Help us to remember the importance of our role in your creation and to use the gifts and talents you have given us to honor you. Help us to take care of your creation and to show gratitude for your majesty and greatness. Amen.