Psalm 104

Read Psalm 104

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great!” The Israelites sang about God as the Lord over creation. He was able to wear the glorious light of heaven as His subjects on the earth might put on robes for clothing. Just as they constructed dwelling places to protect their loved ones from the elements, their God could stretch out “the heavens like a tent.” He did not need to search for solid ground for a secure foundation for His home. He could set up “the beams of His chambers upon the waters.” His people needed to ride on beasts of burden or walk along the road on their own two feet, but their God could ride on an angelic glory cloud! Angels were His servants and His messengers.

The Lord built the earth. It would stand as long as He had determined. He made the waters and the mountains take their places. After the great flood, “the mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that You appointed for them.” He set a boundary that the waters might not pass, “so that they might not again cover the earth.” The land and the wild animals that inhabited the earth received gushing waters that came from beneath the earth and from the clouds above according to the Lord's decree. Even the songs of the birds in the trees were a part of His great plan for the world. The land was brought to life. “The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your work.”

The Lord gave grass for the beasts, great varieties of plants for the many needs of mankind, oil to make their faces shine, and wine “to gladden the heart of man.” Even in remote places at altitudes where man might never travel, the needs of creation were attended to by Almighty God. He held the moon and stars in their courses for signs and seasons. The furthest reaches of the universe were still under His sovereign control. He set up the pattern of night and day for His purposes. This amazing planet was teaming with life.

“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Our God is not frightened by the massive “Leviathan” of the deep. Such an awesome monster of the sea lives in the environment that the Lord provided for it. All of the Lord's great works of creation on this amazing orb look to Him for food, and He provides. He gives and they gather, but when He withholds what they need, their time on the earth swiftly comes to an end. “When You hide Your face, they are dismayed; when You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.” Yet, by His Spirit, He can renew the face of the earth, and bring to life what has long been dead and gone.

The people who serve such a great God should long for His Name to be glorified and for His holy will to be accomplished. Israel and the church should meditate upon His works and call upon His Name with songs of joy. When the earth trembles and the mountains smoke, the Lord is still in charge. Jesus, who died that we might live, has all power and authority in heaven and on earth. He will bring about the fullness of the great divine plan. The wicked will “be no more,” and we who are called by His Name will sing to the Lord. The glory of the Lord will “endure forever.”

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Great God of Providence, we bless Your Name. Your wonderful nature is displayed before us in all of Your great works. You have created all things. You also rule and reign over everything You have made. You formed the mountains and the valleys, and have filled the earth with intriguing creatures. You make the land beautiful to look at, and You give us so many blessings to investigate and to experience. Thank You for these daily gifts that are such a wonderful part of our lives. Thank You for attending to the multitude of details that regularly escape our notice. No matter how intelligent any man may be, You will always be far above all the creatures that You have made. We will sing praise to You, and we will think about You with great joy. Surely You are not surprised by the wickedness of men. You rule over all. Blessed be Your Name, O God.