Hunger for Significance
“Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.”
Psalm 144:3-4
We all have the desire to be important. We all hunger for significance. We want others to recognize our accomplishments. This desire is not necessarily a bad thing. When we feel valued by others, we are more likely to live fuller and healthier lives.
There are experiences in life, however, that remind us we are not as significant as we might think. For instance, gazing up at the vast night sky and realizing that our galaxy is one of an estimated 200 billion! Or, looking out of an airplane window down to the countless homes and neighborhoods below. In these moments, we can feel inconsequential.
The Bible sometimes makes us feel insignificant as well. Lest we think too highly of ourselves, Scripture guides us back to reality, inviting us to reinterpret our lives in light of a much larger, cosmic perspective. Psalm 144 does just this. The Psalmist writes, “Lord, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them? They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow.” (Psalm 144:3-4)
The reality is that our lives are short-lived. What’s more, given the vastness of the creation, we are tiny. The amazing thing is, that despite our brief existence and smallness, God is still interested in us. He still cares. In Matthew 10, Jesus said that God cares about His creation so much that there is not a sparrow that falls to the ground outside of His care. He goes on to say that God knows the very number of hairs on our heads. God is mindful of even the intricate details of our lives.
In God’s eyes, we are significant. So much so that He did not spare His own son for us. So, as you begin your day today, remember to hold two things in balance. On the one hand, do not think too highly of yourself (be humble because you are insignificant). On the other hand, remember that the God who created this vast universe is also mindful of the smallest detail in your life — you are significant!
