Marvel

O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Yonder is the sea, great and wide, creeping things innumerable are there, living things both small and great. Psalms 104:24-25

Read Psalms 104:1-35

One of our first outings with our grandson William was to the New England Aquarium. For those who've never been, it's worth the trip. In the middle of the building is a giant 200,000-gallon saltwater tank that begins on the first floor and reaches the third floor. The Aquarium holds more than 20,000 sea creatures and over 800 species. While this is only a tiny percentage of the identified 242,000 marine species, scientists estimate that of that number, it is only 91% of all ocean species; it causes you to pause and marvel at the variety of God's creation. That was not the first time Janice and I had been to the museum; we'd gone many times with the boys when they were older and out-of-town guests, but going with then two-year-old William, we viewed it all as if seeing it for the first time.

In today's passage, the psalmist marvels at the abundance and wisdom of God's creative works. The world is teeming with diverse forms of life and natural wonders, and they were crafted with wisdom. The term "manifold" emphasizes the variety and richness of God's handiwork. Every aspect of creation, from the tiniest insect to the grandest mountain, reflects divine intelligence and purpose. God's wisdom is evident in all things' intricate design, balance, and functionality. The earth is like a treasure trove filled with God's bountiful gifts—from fertile soil to majestic landscapes, vibrant ecosystems, and life-sustaining resources. 

We frequently get caught up in the busyness of the day without pausing to enjoy God's manifold works. The schedules of our lives, dashing from here to there with our appointments, interfere with our marveling at the variety and wisdom of the creatures around us, the returning robins in spring, the squirrels scampering up and down trees, and the baby bunnies hopping in the yard. Today, let's take a moment to pause, seeing things as if through the eyes of a two-year-old, opened to creation for the first time, and give praise to God, the Creator of all things.

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your manifold works, the vastness of creation stretching beyond our comprehension. In wisdom, You shaped the mountains and oceans, crafting each detail with divine purpose. 

Lord of all wisdom, your fingerprints are etched upon every living thing, from the tiniest sparrow to the mightiest oak. We marvel at the intricate dance of ecosystems, where predator and prey coexist in delicate balance.

Provider of abundance, the earth overflows with Your riches—fields ripe with grain, forests teeming with life. You sustain us with daily bread and quench our thirst, a symphony of provision orchestrated by Your hand.

May we remember not to take Your creation for granted. May we open our eyes anew to the wonders around us so that we may join the psalmist in praise: "O LORD, how manifold are Your works!"

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim