Remember, the second day of reading answers the question, "How does this passage invite me to see reality?" What is it about this short and simple passage that can shed some light on how we see this world we live in, both seen and unseen?

As we noted yesterday, the existence of a Divine Counsel, or a group of divinely created spiritual beings (the Heavenly Hosts) is controversial to many, but we want to just let the Word speak for itself; to frame our view of reality, not our own flawed logic.

Our text today shows us that God rules relationally. The Psalmist uses words like 'assembly' and 'counsel of the holy ones'. Clearly there is an indication of a group of beings; beings with purpose ... that's what counsels do, they function as ruling bodies and directors.

Many push back and argue this is calling for 'polytheism' or 'many gods', but that's not what is happening here at all. Clearly, among all the hosts of Heaven, the Psalms declare "there are none like Yahweh." He and His authority are honored in this heavenly community and they respond with worship and reverence. They, too, know that they are not like Him, and He is not like them.

We see that His rule and sovereignty isn't mechanical or dictatorial. (we'll see this in later weeks as well). Biblically speaking, heaven is a well-ordered place, responsive and joyfully aligned with the nature and character of God.

If the heavenly hosts see Him as awe-inspiring and fear Him in their own counsel, how much more should we, mere mortals, be struck with awe and amazement at His glory. Psalm 89 calls us to lift up our eyes along with the heavenly hosts and celebrate His goodness, reminding us that worship isn't something we humans invented in our smoke-filled worship centers or even while sitting at our ancient harps and drums.

It is a part of heaven, it is the most natural response to the glory of the Lord, by human and non-human alike. I mean, even the rocks will cry out to the Lord if we will not! Heaven isn't a silent place of reflection, but is alive with knowledge and recognition of WHO HE IS and exalts His majesty above all.

Knowing how He is revered and praised in heaven ought to invite us to a place of humility here on earth. The default posture of heaven is one of worship and praise, not performance. The wonder of awe neatly reorients our minds and hearts when the familiar dulls our senses to His majesty.

May we let  this example of ordered divine creation and ever-present worship shape how we see what is real and what is not around us. I pray it will fill our hearts with awe and wonder, not entitlement; reverence and obedience.

Today, slow down and breathe. Speak of His faithfulness and holiness out loud to Him. The heavenly hosts, the holy ones of His counsel, are already ... right now ... lifting up praise and glory to Him. Join them today as adopted family members of God in exalting the only One who is worthy of any of it.

One of the things that stood out to me after my son died, was that when I sing praises, or worship God through praise of nature or His goodness, I'm not alone. He's already with Jesus doing the same thing ... all the time without end. I can't be with him physically, but I can be with him in spirit and praise to the One who promises a reunion.

How might your worship change if you remembered you are joining a heavenly chorus, a counsel of divine family, rather than piecing one together here on your own?