“Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let Thy glory be above all the earth.”
(Psalm 57:11)
God made all things for His own glory, and mankind is no exception. “God’s life is his power of working all things according as seems good to himself after his own counsel for his own glory; to say he liveth, is to say he perpetually works.”[1] The purpose of every person’s existence is found in this truth: to glorify God, to exalt His name, and to delight in Him forever (Isaiah 43:7, Psalm 104:31). Every breath, every action, every moment of our lives is intended to magnify our Maker, reflecting His goodness and righteousness in the world.
But how do we glorify God? What does it mean to reflect Him? The answer is found in the simple illustration of a mirror. A mirror does not produce an image of itself—it only reflects what stands before it. The closer one stands to a mirror, the clearer the reflection becomes. Likewise, the closer we walk with God, the more His image is seen in us.
Yet, how often do we try to engage God from a distance? Many believe He exists but treat Him as though He is a distant ruler, too far removed from their daily lives to be truly known. Others go through the motions of religion, acknowledging God in word but failing to seek Him in spirit and truth. They’re unwilling to draw near… but then wonder why His reflection is so faint in their lives.
God is not far off. He is more real than the closest of friends, more present than any earthly companion. He has revealed Himself in His Word, and He invites His people into deep communion with Him. The more we seek Him, the clearer His presence becomes. The more we behold Him, the more His glory is seen.
And as His people grow closer to Him, we more clearly reflect His character. His love, His holiness, His mercy, and His truth shine forth in our lives. Our hearts, once darkened by sin, become mirrors of His majesty. This is how we exalt the Lord—not just in words, but in a life transformed by His presence.
So let us who belong to Him seek to draw ever closer, that we might reflect His glory in all we do. Let our lives be a testimony to His greatness, shining as mirrors of His divine excellence. May we be so near to Him that when others observe us, they do not see us, but the radiance of the God who dwells within us.
Contemplations
- Drawing Near to God. My life is meant to reflect my Creator, but His image can only be seen in me if I draw near to Him. “Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8.) Do I seek to be close with my Lord daily? Do I long to know Him more deeply, or am I content to keep Him at a distance?
- The Clarity of His Reflection. Just as a mirror must be clean to provide a clear image, my heart must be free from sin to reflect God’s glory. “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Are there sins clouding my soul, distorting the reflection of Christ in me? Lord, cleanse me that I may provide a clear reflection of you in the world.
- Worship Through a Transformed Life. True worship is not just a song or a prayer—it is a life that exalts the Lord. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Does my life display His light? Do I live in such a way that others see His goodness in me?
- The Joy of Knowing Him. The closer I am to God, the more joy I find in Him. “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in Thy presence is fulness of joy” (Psalm 16:11). Lord, keep my joy rooted in You, that I may delight in Your presence, continually reflecting Your beauty.
Prayer
O Lord, You are exalted above the heavens, and Your glory is above all the earth. You are the King of all creation, the One who formed all things by the word of Your power. There is none like You, full of majesty, holiness, and truth. I bow before You, for You alone are worthy of all honor and praise.
Yet in Your greatness, You draw near to the humble. Though You dwell in the highest heavens, You make Your abode with the lowly in heart. Who am I, that You would look upon me? Who am I, that You would make me Your own? My soul is unworthy, my hands are stained, my heart is too easily drawn to lesser things. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have sought You at a distance, for the moments I have neglected to gaze upon You. Forgive me for allowing the world to cloud my sight, for failing to reflect Your beauty as I ought.
Thank You, my God, that in Christ I have been made new. I was once blind, but now I see. I was once in darkness, but now I walk in the light of Your presence. You have given me life, not because I am worthy but because You are merciful. You have placed Your Spirit within me, that I might glorify You and magnify Your name.
Lord, draw me ever closer to You. Let my heart be wholly Yours. Let my life be a clear reflection of Your goodness and grace. Remove from me all that dims the brightness of Your image, that I might shine as a mirror of Your glory. May my thoughts, my affections, and my desires be wholly conformed to Your will. And when others look upon me, let them see not me, but You, my Savior and my King.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be seen in my life and above all the earth. Amen.
Further References for Psalm 57:11
Psalm 8:1, 8:9, 108:5, 113:4; Isaiah 33:5
[1] Edward Leigh, A Systeme or Body of Divinity Consisting of Ten Books (London: A.M. for William Lee, 1654), 139–140.
