SCRIPTURE: Psalm 104
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. [Psalm 104:27]
The psalmist is trying to put things in perspective, to see how we are totally dependent on the greatness and goodness of God.
Everything in creation depends on God, He cares for the animals as well as humans, and even for inanimate objects.
He guides and controls and supports all things for His loving purpose, to bless and be blessed by the wonder and beauty of His creation paradise.
He is enthroned over it all, and actively engaged in it all.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? [Matthew 6:25-27]
Jesus echoes this theme as He reflects on the birds, and how God feeds them.
But then He clarifies what the psalmist was assuming: though God cares for all of creation, even the animals, His children are much more valuable that all else.
God loves the stones and the birds and the planets and the amoeba, but He deeply loves His precious children, His image-bearers made a little lower than the angels.
When we realize and remember this, it can change our perspective too.
When we forget it, we get all worked up and worried; we stress and strive to protect and defend ourselves, as if all our worry and work could add a single hour to our life.
But when we remember it, we are released to live each day in His care, trusting in His purpose, knowing that nothing can take us from world one second sooner than God intends, for His loving purpose will prevail.
Praise the LORD, my soul. Praise the LORD. [Psalm 104:35]
With the psalmist, we should compel our inner being to praise the Lord, to remind ourselves of His power and purpose, and our security in Him.
Change your perspective, focus on God and your spirit will be lifted!
I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. [Psalm 104:34]
PRAYER:
Lord, You have everything in hand, for the animals and for me. You are awesome, You are great, You are good, and I entrust my day into Your hands.
Praise the Lord!
Where is the God Who I praise? Where do I see Him?
He is everywhere – in the heavens, upon the waters, in the clouds, the winds. Just think what the waters do. Never again flood the earth, flows from the mountains giving water for the beasts of the field, the birds, therefore the plants, the crops of the people, the trees of the field. The seasons are His and so his creatures know when to seek their food from God? Does man? Do I?
God is everywhere. The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it. I must rejoice. I must sing. I must see His presence in all things. Praise Him all you His people. Praise Him and see Him this day, for we are living in His presence. Open my eyes Lord. Help me to praise You. Continue by Your Spirit to lead me and guide me in the way I need to go.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.