Psalm 104:24-34, 35b (NRSV)
Read Psalm 104:24-34, 35b on biblegateway.com
Verse 24O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
Verse 25Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great.
Verse 26There go the ships, and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it.
Verse 27These all look to you to give them their food in due season;
Verse 28when you give to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
Verse 29When you hide your face, they are dismayed; when you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.
Verse 30When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground.
Verse 31May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works-
Verse 32who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke.
Verse 33I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
Verse 34May my meditation be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord.
Verse 35Let sinners be consumed from the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord!
Devotion
“The earth is full of your creatures.” (verse 24)
This past year, there have been seasons to fish for walleyes, to fly-fish, to hunt pheasant, turkey and deer, to build a fish-crib, to work on a trout stream, to raise and release pheasants, to vote on conservation issues, and to gather with outdoor enthusiasts. Celebrating the uniqueness of all of God’s creation is really valuable, but it is hard work. Really hard work! Our congregations sometimes need to rehearse the vision of what it means to ‘live as stewards of God’s creation.’
The Psalmist presents God’s awareness and the gentle care: providing food, shelter, satisfaction and renewal. This is all within a rhythm of time according to His will. There is hope that we would sing praises to the Lord and discover seasons to offer loving care for all His creation.
Prayer
May my meditation of song be pleasing to you, O Lord, as I rejoice in your creation whatever season of life you hold for me! Amen.