Psalm 104:24-34
How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there. All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground. May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works—he who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke. I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the Lord. Psalm 104:24-34 (NIV)
Psalm 104 is one of the 61 anonymous psalms, so we don't know the who or the where. However, it is believed to be written in the 11th century BC. The psalmist praises the Lord for all of God’s works and creation. God created the world with order and purpose, and the world was made from joy and for joy. The psalmist continues in amazement of nature and how all living things depend on God for their food, all good things, and life itself. God provides, and all creatures gather in what they need and are satisfied. If God hides His face, creatures are terrified. When He takes away their breath, they die and return to dust. When God sends His Spirit, life is created and renewed.
As I read this, I wonder if we truly realize how wonderful God’s works and creations are. Do we recognize all the beauty of this world and of the universe? I have not traveled that much, but have experienced the beauty of the coast of Oregon and the Alaskan mountains and wildlife. “The Americas” series on television with its amazing photography, gives us the opportunity to experience incredible animals and sights of God’s creation. But do we need to travel or watch TV to recognize the awesome works of the Lord? The answer, of course, is no. Take a minute to look at the beautiful flowers in your neighborhood or listen to the birds singing in the morning. Listen to a cardinal sing their songs. There is a rhythm to their call. Bobwhite quail have a rhythm to their calls too! (I’ve heard those calls from the Southwood parking lot.) God created rhythms in the seasons as well as the daily turning of the earth from day to night and back to day again. Get up early to see the sun rise or watch it set. Look into the night skies and see the stars and the moon. Plant some seeds in the garden and see what happens.
We all need to take the time to slow down from our busy schedules/lives and enjoy all that God has created for us in this world and life. I am guilty of rushing around and trying to get more and more done. Psalm 104 reminds us to take the time to enjoy these things and to take time to praise & sing to the Lord. The God of all creation is worthy of our life-long praise.
Questions for Reflection:
- Do you take the time to enjoy the awesome creations of the Lord on a daily basis? If not, why not?
- Is there a praising prayer or song you enjoy saying/singing to the Lord? How about Louis Armstrong’s song “What a Wonderful World”
Prayer:
God of all creation, thank you for the world you created with joy for joy. Help us to take the time to recognize and enjoy all your creations each day. May we praise you through prayer and song as long as we live. Amen.
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