Psalm 104 - Open Your Eyes!

by Becky

LINK: Psalm 104

BACKGROUND

Even though no author is ascribed to this psalm, it is traditionally assigned to David.

This psalm praises God for His mightiness and bounty, revealed in His creation. Just look at the power of the images and figurative language! Creation is pictured as something that clothes God and does His bidding. There is a sense of wonder in this psalm – wonder at the provision and power of the LORD over nature. Nature is marvelled at, but not worshipped. Rather, nature points to the power and love of our Creator God.

Many commentators have noticed that Psalm 104 is a poetic version of creation account in Genesis. Notice the correspondence of the verses in this psalm to the days of Genesis 1.

The Life Application Study Bible explains it this way: “This psalm is a poetic summary of God’s creation of the world as found in the first chapter of Genesis. What God created each day is mentioned by the psalmist as a reason to praise God. On day one, God created light (104:1, 2; Genesis 1:3); day two, the heavens and waters (104:2, 3; Genesis 1:6); day three, land and vegetation (104: 6-18; Genesis 1:9-13); day four, the sun, moon, and stars (104: 19-23; Genesis 1: 14-16); day five, fish and birds (104: 25,26; Genesis 1: 20-23); and on day six, animals, people, and food to sustain them (104: 21-24, 27-30; Genesis 1: 24-31). God’s act of creation deserves the praise of all people.”

REFLECTION

As I’ve read and reread this psalm, it’s hit me again that God reveals Himself in the world He has created if we will just open our eyes and see. As I sit writing this I’m looking out into our backyard. A squirrel stands motionless for a few moments on the green carpet of grass, revealing his white shirted chest before he again begins exploring the ground for food. Flowers in hues of blue, pink, and purple show off amid the varied coolness of their plants’ green leaves. Sunlight reflects off the brick patio, interspersed with outlines of tree leaves traced in shadows. In the bushes and trees and bird house are nests of martins and cardinals and blue jays and thrushes and mockingbirds - testimonies to the continuation of life. All of these are gifts of God’s grace.

Yesterday as I stood watering my garden with the hose, a bird flew right past my right shoulder and landed on the limb of a tree directly above the spot I was spraying and about five feet away from me. It was a juvenile blue jay, still at the awkward stage! He fluffed up his wings and cocked his head and looked at me and then looked down at the water drops and fluttered to a limb about two feet down and a foot closer to me. Next thing I knew, he had made it down to the ground and begun to preen and turn himself in the water. He had a great time taking a shower about four feet away from me! When he’d had enough he flew just outside the range of the water and fluffed and dried his feathers in the sun. He provided me with a meditation not only on the pleasure of water and sun, but also with one on enjoying the moment and trust.

We take for granted God’s continuing provision for us and for this world. When things go wrong or there is a disaster we ask why – why did God allow that? But how often do we praise Him for the order and the beauty that we see every day? Day follows night over and over again. The moon goes through its cycle every month. We have rain and sunshine. Season follows season. There is a comforting rhythm to life.

God gives us daily feasts.

When I step outside in the daytime my ears feast on many different bird songs. The chirp- chirp of cardinals, the cooing of doves, the melodious song of the mockingird. At night there is the music of frogs and insects. I’ve already mentioned the feast for my eyes. He gives us literal feasting in the form of food. He didn’t have to give us beauty or make food taste good! He could have simply given us what we needed to survive. Instead He have us thousands of foods to eat, each with a different flavor.

This psalm glorifies God for being the Creator. It makes clear that creation itself is not in charge. Creation is never equated with God. The psalm also shows us that God continues to be involved in this world He has made. He didn’t just make it and let it go. God continues to care for it and us.

APPLICATION

Sit somewhere outside in a natural setting and read this psalm. Then ask the LORD to give you eyes to see. Jesus told of those who “seeing do not see” and “hearing do not hear” (Mt. 13:13). The world of nature helps us know its Maker. What does it tell you about Him?

Read again verses 27 – 32. What do those verses say about our dependence on God? What kind of response do they inspire? (Read Mt. 6: 25-33.)

Today try to consciously think of all that you are given to enjoy. Think about the food you eat, what you hear, what you see and touch and smell. Make a list if you want! Thank God for all the good He has freely given you. Thank Him.

PRAYER

I will sing to You, my LORD, as long as I live;
I will sing praise to You, my God, while I have my being.
May my meditation be sweet to You;
I will be glad in the LORD.
I will praise You!