Podcast (daily-devotion): Play in new window | Download | Embed

Psalm 104:19-23
He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then people go out to their work, to their labor until evening.

Psalm 104 is a call to praise. In yesterday’s portion of the psalm, water was used as an example of why we should praise God. This liquid we take for granted is essential to life. We wouldn’t make it a week without it. Today the moon and sun are used for the same purpose—a call to praise the Lord.

The cycle of each day provides God’s creation with all it needs. For people, the day provides a time for work and the evening a time for rest. For some animals, the evening is a time to search for food. For man and beast, the moon marks the seasons to enjoy the variety of the summer’s heat and the winter’s cold.

Since the sun rises and sets everyday, just like clockwork, we can easily miss this great cycle that God provides. Today praise God for His amazing creation—the rising sun and the heat of “high noon.”  Praise Him in the evening when you see the moon. Let it remind you of God’s blessings throughout the day. God’s blessings are all around us—even in the daily cycle that we take for granted. The psalmist calls us to open our eyes, watch for God, and give Him praise.

Father, thank You for the sun, moon, and stars. Allow me to ponder Your creation and give You praise for the great blessing of its daily cycle. Help me see Your hand at work all around me. Help me to watch for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.