14 and I praise you because of

the wonderful way

you created me.

Everything you do is marvelous!

Of this I have no doubt.

17 *Your thoughts are far beyond

my understanding,

much more than I

could ever imagine.

18 I try to count your thoughts,

but they outnumber the grains

of sand on the beach.

And when I awake,

I will find you nearby.

3 I often think of the heavens

your hands have made,

and of the moon and stars

you put in place.

4 *Then I ask, "Why do you care

about us humans?

Why are you concerned

for us weaklings?"

5 *You made us a little lower

than you yourself,*

and you have crowned us

with glory and honor.

7 God lifts the poor and needy

from dust and ashes,

8 and he lets them take part

in ruling his people.

7 *But the Lord told him, "Samuel, don’t think Eliab is the one just because he’s tall and handsome. He isn’t the one I’ve chosen. People judge others by what they look like, but I judge people by what is in their hearts."

9 *But you are God’s chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things he has done. The Scriptures say,

6 Five sparrows are sold for only a few cents, but God doesn’t forget a single one of them. 7 Even the hairs on your head are counted. So don’t be afraid! You are worth much more than many sparrows.

3 I realize God has treated me with undeserved grace, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you.