May 29, 2023 - Psalms 103-107

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus takes note of the Father’s care of his creation, observing that he cares even for the birds of the air. Here, the psalmist speaks of God’s creation and his provision for all that he has created; for example, “You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills; they give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches” (104:10-12).

Our God is so good to us. He gives us all we need. The psalmist says of the Israelites, “They exchanged the glory of God for the image of an ox that eats grass” (106:20). The word that comes to my mind is “grotesque.” Imagine, turning away from the God who so wonderfully provides for his creatures and worshiping an ox in his place! Yet, “Many times he delivered them, but they were rebellious in their purposes and were brought low through their iniquity. Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love” (106:43-45).

Oh, my goodness! We really should take time, today, to remember and to reflect on how good and gracious our God is for “He raises up the needy out of affliction and makes their families like flocks. The upright see it and are glad” (107:41-42).

Each little flow’r that opens,

each little bird that sings,

God made their glowing colors,

God made their tiny wings.

The purple-headed mountain . . .

The cold wind in the winter . . .

All things bright and beautiful,

all creatures great and small,

all things wise and wonderful,

the Lord God made them all. --Cecil Frances Alexander (1848)