Reading: Psalm 104:24-35

Psalm 104:33 – “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I’m still alive.”

Our reading from Psalm 104 begins in the created world. The psalmist praises God for this earth that is “full of your creations.” From the dirt to the sea, from the valleys to the sky, God created our earth. In all of the earth’s beauty and diversity – from desert to rainforest, from rugged mountains to endless plains – God “made them all so widely” and filled these spaces with life abundant and diverse. The earth and all that are in and on it are amazing, like our God.

The psalmist then turns to these creatures that inhabit the earth. These “countless creatures” are another example of God’s creative nature at work. And we are reminded of God’s care and provision for all of creation. God gives food and each is filled. God gives life and breath. But when God “hides,” creation is terrified. In the end, the breath of life leaves and each returns to dust.

Without naming it, the psalmist is also describing humanity. We are scientifically one race yet are very diverse and unique. Seven billion of us are the same in almost endless ways, yet none are exactly alike. We can see great beauty in the canvas of humanity. And we also depend on God for life and blessing, given to us until we too return to dust.

In verse 31 the psalmist begins to praise God. He or she rejoices in creation – in all of it. The psalmist recognizes God’s power still at work. And they declare, “I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I’m still alive.” Lifting voice, may our whole being praise the Lord, creator and sustainer for all.

Prayer: Lord God, you remain present in creation and in us. Open our eyes to see you and your fingerprints – in the sunrise or sunset, in the infant and in the elder. Fill us with wonder and awe, praise and rejoicing. Use us to help those who don’t see and don’t have a relationship with you to recognize your presence in and through us and all of creation, drawing them closer to you. Amen.