God is our provider both spiritually and physically.  For this, we give Him praise.  This is the theme of Psalm 65.  We praise Him for His salvation and forgiveness (vv. 1-4).  We praise Him for His power over everything everywhere (vv. 5-8).  We praise Him provision and compassion (vv. 9-13).  As David began this psalm, we also say today, “Praise awaits You, our God” (v. 1).   We thank God for His salvation – He alone can save and forgive!  We also thank Him for His power in creation and over all the earth – He alone is All-Powerful!  We thank God for His provision – He alone waters the earth and grows the harvest!  This causes blessings (v. 4) and joy (vv. 8, 13).

Notice something else.  David moved from praise from the righteous in Jerusalem and the temple in verses 1-4 to praise from creation in the whole earth in verses 5-13.  Those whose prayers have been answered (v. 2), whose sins have been forgiven (v. 3), and whose lives have been changed (v. 4) cannot help but praise the Lord!  These are those who recognize God as the “hope of all the ends of the earth and the farthest seas” (v. 5).  God is not just to be praised in church but also throughout all creation!  He created the mountains (v. 6) and calmed the seas and nations (v. 7).  He not only did mighty works in the beginning, He does them now as well!  Even the rising and setting of the sun causes them to praise His name with “songs of joy” (v. 8).  Everything God created and sustains should cause praise and joy in the saved person’s life!

Most people can recognize the mountains, oceans, and the sun’s rising and setting.  David took the worship of God and His majesty and power a step further by noticing and praising Him for the more minor intricate details as well.  God is the one Who waters the land, causing the grain to grow and feed people (vv. 9-13).  Some would give thanks to the farmer.  While we should, to some degree, it is God who supplies the seed and water (v. 9), softens the soil (v. 10), and grows the crops (v. 11).  All of the earth’s vegetation grows because of the Lord, not just the farmed lands (v. 12).  He provides for the animals and vegetation worldwide, and they “shout for joy and sing” (v. 13).  If the sheep and the corn shout and sing, shouldn’t we be louder and more intentional in our praise?

Questions:

1. Do you praise the Lord in church and creation?
2. Do you give Him credit and glory for the most intricate details of creation?
3. Do the sheep and corn praise Him more than you?

Prayer:

Lord, praise awaits You from my lips, heart, and life.  No sheep or cornstalk will out-praise me.   I must admit, You alone are the Savior, Creator, and Sustainer of life.  Let everything give You praise, and may I be first in line.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.