Majesty and Dust

Majesty and dust... Odd combination, right? I certainly don't often think about the two in the same paragraph... But that is what David is thinking of in Psalm 103. First he lists the good that God showers on His people.

Of David. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.
Psalms 103:1-7

Just this list has me standing in awe of my God! He forgives ALL my iniquity (mercy) and SATISFIES me with good (grace). And in doing that He still works RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUSTICE because of Christ! With God's majesty filling our frame of vision, it is easy to see our own smallness, and more than that, our own sinfulness.

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field; for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.
Psalms 103:8-16

Majesty and dust. The Creator and King of the universe cannot be less than majestic.

Majesty
MAJ'ESTY, n. [L. majestas, from the root of magis, major, more, greater.]

1. Greatness of appearance; dignity; grandeur; dignity of aspect or manner; the quality or state of a person or thing which inspires awe or reverence in the beholder; applied with peculiar propriety to God and his works.

And yet He sets His affections on us. His image bearers who are no more than dust.

But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children, to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.
Psalms 103:17-18

What other response can there be but to praise the Majesty that is on high?!? =)

The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will! Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Psalms 103:19-22