Friday September 15th, 2017 Psalm 114
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the God of Jacob? (verse 7)
Standing at the top of a valley in the summertime, overlooking a river and the lush green growth on its banks, makes it easy to see God’s goodness and worship God’s handiwork. When we witness one of God’s sunsets or the night sky filled with stars and northern lights, we know that God is good. The beauty of nature inspires us to worship God.
But what do we think and believe when we see creation in ruins? Forest fires that wipe out large parts of communities? Wars that kill and disfigure humans, animals and plants? Factories that send poisons into the air that is breathed by young and old alike? Such scenes remind us of our failure to care for all creation. When creation is not at its best, we are called to change our ways and to work to restore creation.
Psalm 114 reminds us that when creation is at its best, it responds to God’s presence, trembling in praise and awe of God. The waters flow in reverence to God; the mountains and hills stand up rejoicing in their maker. We are a part of creation, too, and are called similarly to praise God. God is present. Let us worship God.
God, we praise you for all that you have created. Amen. — DBB
Contributed by Praise God!
Standing at the top of a valley in the summertime, overlooking a river and the lush green growth on its banks, makes it easy to see God's goodness and worship God's handiwork. When we witness one of God's sunsets or the night sky filled with stars and northern lights, we know that God is good. The beauty of nature inspires us to worship God.
But what do we think and believe when we see creation in ruins? Forest fires that wipe out large parts of communities? Wars that kill and disfigure humans, animals and plants? Factories that send poisons into the air that is breathed by young and old alike? Such scenes remind us of our failure to care for all creation. When creation is not at its best, we are called to change our ways and to work to restore creation.
Psalm 114 reminds us that when creation is at its best, it responds to God's presence, trembling in praise and awe of God. The waters flow in reverence to God; the mountains and hills stand up rejoicing in their maker. We are a part of creation, too, and are called similarly to praise God. God is present. Let us worship God.
