Author: Stephen Matheny
When I consider the condition of the world today, it leads me to ask, how do we view our God? From the church’s perspective, the answer seems very simple. God is our creator, maker of all things, sovereign, wonderful, merciful, just, loving, and omnipotent. He is our judge and redeemer. These often-used descriptors provide us with a detailed image of how we may see God. Yet, we must pause to ask ourselves if the familiarity with these words, describing God, has taken the place of an intimate relationship demonstrated by the Psalmist in Psalm 104?
Most likely written by David, we see in this Psalm a deep expression of his need to worship and acknowledge God’s authority over every aspect of existence! I wonder if we revere God in a way remotely similar to this?
This passage is a long one, yet it significantly focuses on the greatness of God. Many times, my focus seems to have fallen prey to senseless distractions, which often lead me toward a view of God more reflective of our culture, than Scripture--focusing on self-indulgence, modern comforts, and pleasures.
I want to think of God differently so I may be able to express, as the Psalmist does in Psalm 104:1, O Lord my God, you are very great!” The praise and worship recorded here reflects so much more than words spoken in an attempt to describe God utilizing words as descriptors. It demonstrates expressions by one who truly knows God and His great power! Consider the following excerpts:
“You are clothed with splendor and majesty.” (v1)
“He rides on the wings of the wind.” (v3)
“He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved.” (v5)
“The trees of the Lord are watered abundantly, the cedars of Lebanon that He planted. In them the birds build their nests.” (v16)
“May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works, who looks on the earth and it trembles, who touches the mountains and they smoke!” (v31-32)
The essence of these praises are much more than familiar words spoken without thought. They are reflections of one who stands amazed in the presence of God, one who knows God intimately!
If we pray and meditate on who God truly is, then like this Psalmist, we will see and talk about God with more passion than ever before! “Let my meditation be pleasing to Him.” (v34)
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