Psalm 104

Creator God

When was the last time you felt at one with nature? Did that experience give you pause for praise? Why or why not?

Vacation time will soon be here. A time for travel, a time for sightseeing. A time to unwind and appreciate God’s handiwork.

If you do visit a National Park or other natural wonder this summer, consider taking Psalm 104 along for some prayer time. The inspiration of what you see will dovetail with what you pray.

Psalm 104 is a declaration of God’s awesome power. It’s beginning (104:1-4) and end (104:31-35) praise God for his powerful revelation. Notice the means of revelation not the content were praised; the “winds as messengers” and “fire as ministers,” the trembling of the earth and the fire on the mountain spoke to the experience on Mt. Sinai when the nation was formed. These demonstrations of power resulted in the Mosaic covenant and the Law. They also reflected the power YHWH had over creation; notice the image of the heavenly court placed over creation (i.e, “upon the waters”), not within the natural order (as the neighbors of Israel did). God used events of nature for his own ends. These were reasons to bless God throughout life.

104:5-18 presented a desert dweller’s notion of creative power. How did the Israelite author know YHWH was God? He controlled the water. After “fixing the earth to its foundations,” God separated and channeled the water with the pronouncement of his Word (the divine “roar” and “thunder” in 104:7); compare this verse with Genesis 1:1 when he separated the waters with his breathe (translated “mighty wind” in some texts). Whether on the mountain or down the creek, in the lake or down the river, in the bay or in the seas, the water would not move without approval from God. YHWH controlled water for the benefit of his creation. Animals would receive refreshment, humanity would enjoy the fruits of water flow. God’s control of water proved he had a place for every creature in nature.

For the Israelite, God also controlled light and darkness. In 104:19-23, God controlled the rhythms of day and night, whether it be in the celestial cycles of the moon and the sun, or in the wake and sleeping patterns of the animal kingdom.

In all, God was to be praised for the order of creation (104:24-26). The author marveled at creation’s fullness; all things had a place to live and move. With God, there was blessing and life; without God, there was not only a lack, but a void (104:27-30). Like 104:7, 104:30 closely paralleled Genesis 1:1. God would sent his Spirit over the earth and renew it. In Christian eyes, this verse made the psalm perfect for the celebration of Pentecost when God sent his Spirit upon the Apostles and began the creation of a new people, the Church.

The power of God is awe-inspiring. As people who live in modern times, we might not be overwhelmed with the notion that God is God because he controls the flow of water or the cycles of light and dark. We can, however, marvel at the power of God in the billions of galaxies he created. Like the Israelite, we might feel small compared to the presence and power of nature that God created. And, like the Israelite, we view our God as a benevolent Creator. He orders all things for his glory and our welfare.

We are to praise God for his power and love.

Take time this week to consider you place in God’s creation. How has God blessed you with the plants and animals that surround you? How has God given you hope in the flow of day and night, or the cycle of seasons?