“Praise is due to you, O God, in Zion,

And to you shall vows be performed.”

The psalmist begins this psalm with a heart full of worship. Praise is given to God who had shown His power, presence, and provision to the psalmist and his community. Along with praise, the community also came before Him, with payment of their vows (gifts that were promised for answered prayers).

God drawn His people close, as He makes His presence known in His courts, His house, His temple (verse 4). They experienced His mighty deeds, not just in their own lives, but in ways that caused the whole earth to stand in awe (verses 5 and 8). God showed His power through the mountains He has established (verse 6), and through His ability to still the roaring seas, which were symbols of chaos and unrest (verse 7). And just as He showed power through how He calmed nature, He also stills the turmoil of the nations (verse 7).

The psalmist also celebrates God’s generous provision. God waters the earth, blessing it with abundance, causing the land to yield plentiful (verses 9 to 12). Creation itself seems to join in the praise, as the meadows and valleys sing for joy before Him.

How amazing is it to know that our Creator God is never far from us. The same God who shaped majestic mountains and calmed stormy seas, is the same God who breathes life into His creation, who forgives sins, and who draws near to His people.

When we gaze at towering mountains or listen to crashing waves, when we notice the delicate flowers in the field or hear the trickle of a stream, do we also see the hand of God who is near? Do we remember that He is the One who provides for our needs, stills our fears, and holds our lives in His faithful hands?

To know God as the majestic God of creation, yet also a God who came in flesh, and who now indwells in us, fills us with awe and gratitude. He is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving, He is overflowing with goodness and faithfulness. Like the psalmist, may we be moved to join in the praise of all creation, lifting our hearts in worship to the God who is present, powerful, and our perfect provider.

Prayer:

Dear God, I give you praise for who You are. Thank you, that you are present and draws near to Your people. Thank you, that Your glory is shown through your creation. Thank you, for your perfect provision. You alone are worthy of all our worship, and I give You praise, all honour and all glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.