Psalm 148: Praise the Lord from the Earth

Today’s reading is Psalm 148.

From the Heights to the Depths

The second half of this week’s psalm begins similarly to the first, but with a major difference. The psalm began, “Praise the LORD from the heavens.” The second half begins, “Praise the LORD from the earth.” The contrast continues in the second line of each section. The second line of the psalm, “Praise him in the heights!” The second line of the second half, “You great sea creatures and all deeps.” The praise moves from heaven to earth, from the heights to the depths. All creation praises God. Go as high as you can possibly go, there God is praised by creation. God as deep as you can possibly go, there God is praised.

The earth praises God through the weather: fire, hail, snow, mist, and wind. It praises God through geology: mountains and all hills. It praises God through the vegetation: fruit trees and cedars. It praises God through animals: beasts and all livestock. It even praises God through insects: creeping things. It also praises God through birds of the air.

We are once again reminded of the account of creation. God’s creation is good. The mountains and hills, beasts and birds, fruit trees and cedars all do what they are supposed to do, what they were created to do. Even the stormy wind fulfills God’s Word. The only part of God’s creation that fails on that score is mankind.

As with the heavens, the praise of creation is somewhat metaphorical. Mountains don’t speak. Neither do fruit trees. However, as we examine creation, especially today as we learn more and more about the intricacies and clear design of the cells of each of these creations, we are driven to praise the Creator of all aspects of this world. Think how incredible it is that this creation contains not merely matter, but even life. And consider the amazing diversity of this created life. Consider how amazing it is that there are some creatures that creep on the earth and some that fly and some that swim.

Be in awe of the world around you. Go for a walk and look at the trees, bushes, grass. Listen to the birds. See the skittering animals. God is amazing. Praise Him for every one of these creations. Take it a step further. Go into a lab and look into a microscope. Study the cell. Look into the nucleus. Study the DNA. Be amazed. Praise God for the intricate detail of His design. God is worthy of praise and the evidence is all around us from sky to earth and everywhere in between.

Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 148.

PODCAST!!!

Click here to take about 15 minutes to listen to the Text Talk conversation between Andrew Roberts and Edwin Crozier.

PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family

How does Psalm 148 admonish you?

Psalm 65: God the Creator

Today’s reading is Psalm 65.

Our week of thanksgiving and praise continues. God is the Redeemer. More than that, in Psalm 65:5-8, God is Creator.

God is the hope of the ends of the earth. Why? Because He created the ends of the earth. He established the mountains. He stilled the seas. In the beginning, at the flood, and at any time He wants, God brings the chaotic waters under control. More than that, His creative and sustaining power goes beyond the world of nature. Just as God brings the chaotic waters under control, He brings the chaotic peoples and nations under control. The Creator can do that.

When the people throughout the ends of the earth pay attention, they will be in awe. Those who see the sun going out in the morning and coming in at evening, recognizing the hand of God behind it, shout for joy. The world and the universe with their order shout design. They praise the Designer. They declare a Creator.

Of course, it is this creative power giving us the hope for His redeeming power. Whoever could create so magnificently can provide us with righteousness and salvation. He is in charge. He is in charge of the natural. He is in charge of the spiritual.

Shout for joy. Offer praise and thanksgiving to God who created us and redeems His creation. Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow’s reading is Psalm 65.

PODCAST!!!

Click here to take about 15 minutes to listen to the Text Talk conversation between Andrew Roberts and Edwin Crozier sparked by this post.

PATHS:
Discuss Today’s Meditation with Your Family

How does Psalm 65 provide or increase your trust in God?