When we look at the world outside it is easy to be caught up in the beauty of creation. Whether it be the view from a mountaintop, a pet playing in the yard, or even discovering a new fact about the human body, the world around us is filled with wonders that can be difficult to describe. There is a harmony to creation that causes us to step back and marvel that such things exist, and in turn it should cause us to praise God for His work!
We are not the first to notice the beautiful world, and we are certainly not the first to try to articulate our wonder. As we turn to the songbook of Scripture we find numerous references to God’s work and the results in creation. In Psalm 24:1-2 we are told, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” Because God has made all things He is the one who rightfully owns it. As His creation, we belong to the Lord. What comfort for those who trust in His name!
Psalm 104 is almost completely dedicated to highlighting God’s creation. In verse 24 the psalmist cannot contain himself as he cries, “Oh Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.”
This is the praise of a man who understands the gravity of what he is acknowledging. The intricacies of the world, even to the smallest aspect, have been put in place by the Lord. He has not only put them in place but His works are “manifold.” There are so many that they cannot be counted!
As our Creator, God watches over us with loving care. He provides for it and nurtures it as a father would do for his children. Looking back at Psalm 104 we see that the world is filled with water (v. 10), food ( v. 14), and plants so that animals and people can make their homes (v. 16-18). Because we have been made by God He knows our needs. He provides for each creature in a way perfectly designed for them. This reflects the personal nature of our Maker and His love for all of His creation.
Additionally, “These all look to you, to give them their food in due season.” -Psalm 104:27
We are completely reliant on God to be sustained. As the creation we are not in control of our lives and situations, and while that may seem scary it is also an incredible comfort. Because He knows our futures completely no detail of our lives is outside His control. And because He loves us we know that all that He has planned will be for our good. What a comfort it is to be held in the hollow of our Maker’s hand!
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11
Another look at the Psalms shows that we are not the only ones praising the Lord. Psalm 19 opens by saying, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.” The stars above us are singing the praises of God. Every moment they shine is a moment that points to the One who has made them. And as they give their all, God’s glory is magnified.
Verse 2 continues: “Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.” Even though we cannot see the stars at every moment they are always shining, and in their constant shining they proclaim the greatness of their Creator. “There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard,” verse 3 states. It does not matter who sees; all that matters is that the Lord knows. He hears their praises and receives honor because of their adoration and joy.
And yet we read in verse 4, “Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” Though it may be silent to us, the praise of creation may touch the heart of another and cause them to recognize God’s presence and design (Romans 1:20). What may seem insignificant will not go unnoticed by the Lord, and what matters is the heart that is pouring out praise to Him.
The earth is instructed to praise the Lord along with the heavens in Psalm 96:11-12: “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it!”
Everything in creation is shouting the praises of God, and not just because they are instructed to do so. They have been designed to point us to the One who made us and may even lead us to discover His love. As we take a moment to watch the sunrise or the wind stirring the trees we are witness to a symphony conducted by the hand of the Maker. What a joy it is to know He has made all things and continues to work among His creation!
After we explore all these Psalms boasting of God’s creation we may feel that our praise is insignificant. The majestic stars are praising the Lord! What could we possibly offer? It is a comfort to know that God does not only look on the physical appearance of His creation. He is concerned with the hearts of His people and He has no more joy than when we join the stars in praising Him.
“When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for Him?” -Psalm 8:3-4
May we worship God with wonder as we praise Him for His beautiful creation.
Written by NBB Alumna: Rachael English23
