I believe that the psalm is written in the same basic order as the creation week, but it is written from a devotional point of view—he is saying that we should praise the One Who created all of this.  Another comment from James E. Smith fits in well here.  “104:31-32.  The psalmist prays that this manifestation of God in nature may ever continue.  He prays that God may continue to rejoice in his works as he did at the original creation (Gen. 1:31).  His look or touch is enough to remind the earth of the awful power of its creator.  If he willed, he could annihilate it as easily as he created it” (p.385).

There is much to be learned about the nature of God from the many references in the Bible to His work during the first six days of time (see Romans 1:18ff; Acts 14:15ff).  Let us learn how to meditate on creation and how to praise Him in light of creation as we note this psalm in eight sections.

Psalm 104:1-4: GOD ABOVE THE EARTH.
The psalm begins with two direct addresses.  The first is to himself, as he tells his soul to praise Jehovah. The second is to Jehovah, as he praises Him in His greatness, honor, and majesty.  He then moves into the proof that God is worthy of such praise—and this proof is in the things He began during the creation week.  This proof is the content of the psalm in verses 2-31.  The things that He created during that first week have the power to move us to praise for at least two reasons.  The first reason is that He has given us an inspired record of how the world began.  The second reason is that the world continues to operate according the laws He set in motion at that time.  He is over the earth, and He is over those “ministers” He used when he created the earth (See Hebrews 1:4-14, where part of this psalm is quoted.).

Psalm 104: 5-9: WATERS OVER THE EARTH.
When the Lord created the earth, water was over everything (Genesis 1:2).  His Holy Spirit moved over it.  Then He “rebuked” the water so that land could appear and both began to serve His purposes.  “Rebuke” refers to His thunderous command (v.7).  The waters are under His control.  All human beings know how difficult it is to control water—even small amounts!  Read this psalm slowly and let it teach you how great God is!!  And let it teach us how great you and I are not…

Psalm 104:10-13: WATER FOR THE EARTH.
Here we are reminded of the power, availability, and usefulness of water.  What one of us has not marveled at a spring, stream, river, waterfall, or lake; and the scenery nearby?  What animal, bird, or plant does not need water, and benefit from its wonders?  Which one of us should not receive physical and spiritual satisfaction by thinking about water and its Maker?

Psalm 104:14-18: VEGETATION FOR ANIMAL AND MAN.
Now Jehovah adds to the beauty and usefulness of the earth.  The waters that have been made and distributed are making vegetation that also reminds us of a Maker—even while man and the animals are using this vegetation for our daily needs!  Smith says, “Grain, vintage, and the oil of the olive were the chief products of Palestine” (p. 385).  Look around your own surroundings at the plants to note how many there are and how much good you get from them.  Verse 18 reminds us that there are places on earth (such as the area around the Dead Sea) that might appear to be nearly useless, but there are actually plants, animals, and even people who thrive there!  We were designed with characteristics (including the ability to adapt) that make it possible for us to marvel at His wonders where ever and when ever we live.

Psalm 104:19-23: AWAY FROM THE EARTH: SUN, MOON, AND STARS.
Now let us look up for awhile.  There is more to all of this than the earth!  There is a whole universe out there that says, “I was made by the God of Hosts.”  Now let us look around ourselves again.  God made day and night—and He made some creatures that are active at night, while others are active in the daytime.  And it is good for man to know that the lions are at work during the night, but they sleep during the daytime.  So let us work while they sleep!

Psalm 104: 24-26: IN THE WATERS.
Steve Gibson commented on verse 24: “This is the key verse of the psalm.  The creation is a treasure house which puts God’s ‘wisdom’ on display.  ‘The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth: by understanding hath he established the heavens’ (Prov. 3:19; cf. 8:22-31).  ‘Riches’ denotes that which is acquired by either purchase or manufacture (Alexander/41).  As a ‘status symbol,’ God’s ‘zoo’ overshadows all man-made collections, even Solomon’s (I Kings 4:33; II Chron. 9:21; Eccl. 2-7).” (THE BOOK OF PSALMS, Vol. II, Bill Jackson, Ed., p. 194).  The great waters all around the world, and the creatures that “play” in them, are further testimony to the One Who made it all.  Let us bless Him for His manifold works.

Psalm 104:27-32: YOUR EARTH.
At least two helpful things should be noted from this section.  The first is that God is over all of His creation, and the second it that He is interested in it!  Let us learn from this that we are to be subject to His will, and that He cares about us far more than He cares for the merely physical elements of the world.  This is His earth, and the least that He deserves is glory for having made it according to His wisdom and for His pleasure (Revelation 4:13).  There is so much more that could be said about this poem, but I will move on, for the real intent is for you to do your own meditation on these words.  So please do so.

Psalm 104:33-35: I WILL SING WHILE I LIVE ON THE EARTH.
I have already commented on these verses (at the beginning of the lesson).  This was done to try to get your attention so that you would study the whole psalm and reach this grand conclusion, too—
I WILL SING UNTO THE LORD AS LONG AS I LIVE

Please engage in sweet meditation about Him every day—please Him, and you will be happy.  You will help sinners, and you will be helpful in defeating His enemies.

Hallelujah!  Praise ye the LORD!
 

SICK LIST:  Cleah Boaz was scheduled to see a neurologist Friday concerning the aneurysm found in her brain.  Theresa Heilman is recovering (with some complications) from surgery on her ankle.  Mary Jones’ sister, Rita, was hospitalized this past week with congestive heart failure but has returned to her residence at Brookside.  Skip had his stitches taken out Wednesday and is on the mend following his “home improvement” accident.  Let’s remember those who are ill and their families in our prayers.

PLANTATION SOUTH:  Group 4 is in charge of services today at 1:30.  John Grubb will be speaking this quarter.

FOR THE RECORD:  
Sunday Class                    126
Sunday AM Worship        172
Sunday PM Worship        138
Wednesday Class             130
Contribution                 $4637

WEEKLY LADIES’ CLASS:  The class meets Tuesday at 10:00 and is studying  the book of Joshua.  Mary Jones is the teacher.

ELDERS’ MEETING:  The elders will meet at 4:00 Sunday, September 29.  If you would like to discuss anything with them, please contact Dennis Hatchett for an appointment.

FELLOWSHIP MEAL:  Our monthly covered-dish dinner is planned for next Sunday, September 29.  Please plan to stay and enjoy the fellowship!  Group 1 will host (set up and clean up).

BRING A FRIEND DAY:  Sunday, September 29, is also the day of this month’s youth activity: Bring a Friend to Worship.  Everyone is encouraged to bring a friend and stay for the meal following services.   

EVENING LADIES’ CLASS:  The ladies’ monthly evening class will be next Monday, September 30, at 7:30.