Manifold Works Display His Gracious Provision in Psalm 104

Manifold Works Display His Gracious Provision in Psalm 104

My first thought after reading through this psalm multiple times was, “…give us this day our daily bread…” Praying for provision is a vital part of the Matthew 6 prayer known as The Lord’s Prayer. The earth is full, and he provides for us in due season. In asking, we acknowledge our dependency upon him.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty…” Psalm 104:1

The psalmist establishes that the Lord is very great and clothed with splendor and majesty. Not just great. Very great! He is covered with light like a garment. He makes the clouds his chariot. He rides the wings of the winds. The winds and flames are his messengers.

Very great. Powerful. Splendid. Majestic.

“He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved.” Psalm 104:5

Not only is he very great, but he greatly provides. The earth is on an immovable foundation. Springs gush to provide for beasts. Birds dwell in branches. He waters mountains, and earth is satisfied with fruit. Grass grows for livestock. Plants are cultivated by man. Wine gladdens the heart of man. Oil makes his face shine, and bread strengthens his heart.

Trees are watered abundantly. Birds build their nests in the cedars of Lebanon. The stork builds her home in fir trees. Wild goats live in high mountains. Rock badgers find refuge in rocks.

God made the moon to mark seasons. The sun knows just when to set. Darkness was created for night. The beasts know to creep about in the darkness. Lions seek their prey, food from God. The sun appears, and the beasts steal away to lie down in their dens. And man rises to work until evening time.

Even in loss, I can stand on such a firm foundation.

“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” Psalm 104:24

He gives us all our daily bread. Manifold works. Our creative God reveals the depth of his wisdom in his provision for this earth. The earth is full of his creation. Grasp that word, full, describing his creative provision. Jehovah-Jireh. Daily bread.

Look further into the depth of his creative wonder and you’ll see the great and wide sea. It is teeming with innumerable creatures. Great and small.

William H. Draper penned a hymn, “All Creatures of Our God and King,” based on a hymn by Francis of Assisi. In light of this creative wonder of our world, we should join and lift up our voice and sing, “O praise Him, O praise Him! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!” All creatures look to God whether they realize it or not. Their food comes from his creative wonder. He gives us all our daily bread.

He gives it; we gather it. He opens his hand; we are filled with good things. When he hides his face, we return to dust. We are fully dependent upon him. We are created by him, and we are sustained by him.

“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works…I will sing to the Lord as long as I live…” Psalm 104:31, 33

We turn to him for our daily bread because he is the author of life. Seeking provision from him orders our hearts to love him, worship him, and live for him. His glory alone will endure. He rejoices in his works.

All creatures on earth stand in awe of him who holds such power and love. We are inspired to sing all the days of our lives. We seek to be pleasing to our God of love. Sinners may seek paths of wickedness, but they will be consumed. They turn away from this God of provision. We turn toward him, including in seasons of pain. Our souls rejoice, bless him, and praise him!

“…Bless the Lord, O my soul! Praise the Lord!” Psalm 104:35

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