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24 What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations. 25 Oh, look - the deep, wide sea, brimming with fish past counting, sardines and sharks and salmon. 26 Ships plow those waters, and Leviathan, your pet dragon, romps in them. 27 All the creatures look expectantly to you to give them their meals on time. 28 You come, and they gather around; you open your hand and they eat from it. 29 If you turned your back, they'd die in a minute - Take back your Spirit and they die, revert to original mud; 30 Send out your Spirit and they spring to life - the whole countryside in bloom and blossom. 31 The glory of God - let it last forever! Let God enjoy his creation! 32 He takes one look at earth and triggers an earthquake, points a finger at the mountains, and volcanoes erupt. 33 Oh, let me sing to God all my life long, sing hymns to my God as long as I live! 34 Oh, let my song please him; I'm so pleased to be singing to God. 35 b. O my soul, bless God! (Psalm 104: 25-35b The Message Bible)
With all the powerful passages we have studied this week leading us to Pentecost, it is only fitting to end the week with this beautiful Ode to God. The week's passage have been all about the unexpected, even "wildly wonderful" acts of God. Though the prophet had prophesied the coming of the Holy Spirit, no one knew exactly or how, the Spirit would make His appearance. And here so many years from the actual event, the psalmist is writing this awesome song of praise to God. Now the language is modern but does it justice in what the psalmist wants to convey to us about God.
The other day my grandson who bears my name asked me, "Grandpa has the world change much since you were a kid?" Gulp. I could have summed up what I shared with him with the words of verse 24: God has made and placed you and me in this "wildly wonderful world." The inventions and progress that the world has made were part of the Wisdom of God, which does indeed, overflow with His wonderful creations. I have been to the sea and share the psalmist's impression of how awesome it is. I have been blessed to see the yearning of so many creatures toward God and how God provides for them. Without the Spirit of God, we would all perish; but with His presence all things spring to life and we enjoy the blossoms of God.
As we reflect on these verses, let us pause to consider our place in this grand tapestry of creation. Just as the creatures of the earth look to God for their sustenance, so too are we called to depend on Him for our every need. Just as God's Spirit brings life and renewal to the natural world, so too can His Spirit revive our weary souls and bring forth new life within us.
Let us also heed the psalmist's call to sing praises to God for His wondrous works. As we lift our voices in gratitude and adoration, may we be reminded of the privilege it is to be part of God's creation and the responsibility we have to care for it. Let us strive to honor God not only with our words but also with our actions, by being good stewards of the earth and living in harmony with all of God's creatures.
PRAYER: Loving God, we are in awe of Your magnificent creation and the beauty that surrounds us each day. Thank You for the abundance of life and the wonders of nature that testify to Your greatness. Help us to always look to You as the source of our provision and to trust in Your sustaining power. May our lives be a reflection of Your love and grace, and may we continually sing praises to Your holy name. In Jesus' strong name, we pray. Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR CALL TO ACTION: Today, take a moment to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Whether it's taking a walk in the park, tending to a garden, or simply gazing at the stars, allow yourself to be filled with wonder and gratitude for the world around you. And as you go about your day, remember to live in a way that honors God's creation and reflects His love for all living things.
I love you and thank God for you!
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
