This psalm 104 poetically summarizes God’s creation of the world, as found in the first chapter of Genesis. The writer mentions what God created each day as a reason to praise God.
On day one God created light, Psalm 104:1-2; as per Genesis 1:3.
Day two the heavens and the waters, Psalm 104:2-3; as in Genesis 1:6.
Day three land and vegetation, Psalm 104:6-18; as per Genesis 1:9-13.
Day four the sun, moon, and stars, Psalm 104:19-23; as described in Genesis 1:14-16. On day five fish and birds, Psalm 104:12,25-26; as per Genesis 1:20-23. And on day six animals, people, and food to sustain them, Psalm 104:21-24, 27-30; as mentioned in Genesis 1:24-31. God’s act of creation deserves the praise of all people.
God built the earth on its foundations, and he guarantees its permanence the same way. “It would never be moved” by anyone other than God. Eventually, he will create a new heaven and new earth that will last forever as mentioned in Isaiah 65:17, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind”. And Revelation 21:1 says, Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. The same power by which he undergirds the world also provides a firm foundation for believers.
Here is a pictorial description of the new heaven and new earth. They are eternal, and in them safety, peace, and plenty will be available to all of us, who are believers. We don’t know how the new earth will look or where it will be, but God and his followers – those whose names are written in the Book of Life – will be united to live there forever. Will you be there?
This psalm also tells of God’s sovereignty over all creation. God has supreme, unlimited power over the entire universe. He creates; he preserves; he governs. As we understand God’s boundless power, we can rest in his authority over our lives.
Today many people arrogantly assume they don’t need God. But our every breath depends on the spirit he has breathed into us as per Genesis 2:7 which says, “Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being”.
“From the dust of the ground” implies that there is nothing fancy about the chemical elements making up our bodies. The body is a lifeless shell until God brings it alive with his “breath of life.” When God removes his life-giving breath, our bodies once again return to dust.
Our life and worth, therefore, come from God’s Spirit. Many people boast of their achievements and abilities as though they were the originators of their own strengths. Others feel worthless because their abilities do not stand out. In reality, our worth comes not from our achievements but from the God of the universe, who chooses to give us the mysterious and miraculous gift of life. As we come to understand this truth, we begin to value life as God does.
Not only do we depend on God for life, but he loves us and wants the best for us. We should let him renew us each day while also seeking to follow his plans for us.
In creation we find stunning variety, revealing the rich creativity, goodness, and wisdom of our loving God. As you notice and enjoy your natural surroundings, thank God for his creativity. Take a fresh look at people, seeing each one as God’s unique creation, each with his or her own special talents, abilities, and gifts.
Now we look at ourselves and see how richly and abundantly we are blessed by God the Father who created us and protected us during this pandemic.
Psalms are songs of praise to God as our creator, sustainer, and redeemer. Praise is recognizing, appreciating, and expressing God’s greatness. Focusing our thoughts on God moves us to praise him. The more we know him, the more we can appreciate what he has done for us.
So what we have to do? We should Praise the Lord and to say with the Psalmist,
“I will sing to the Lord all my life;
I will sing praises to my God as long as I live.
May my thoughts please him;
I am happy in the Lord.
My whole being, praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.” Amen.
God Bless you all.
N Noel
