“Let the glory of the Lord endure forever; Let the Lord be glad in His works.”
(Psalm 104:31)
Five times in Genesis 1 God pauses in the act of creation to declare His work “good” (Genesis 1:4, 12, 18, 21, 25). It is clear in the creation account that God takes delight in what He has made and that His delight is not fleeting. The Lord rejoices in His handiwork, and the praises of creation resound in response. His glory is an enduring glory, one that is continually reflected in all He has made (Psalm 104:31).
Creation itself gives testimony to its Maker, resounding with praise to the Almighty. The heavens declare His glory, the earth sings His majesty, and all that fills it reflects His wisdom and power (Psalm 19:1). The psalmist calls upon every part of creation—sun, moon, stars, seas, winds, mountains, trees, and creatures of every kind—to lift their voices in praise to the One who made them (Psalm 148:3-10).
Even the inanimate rocks bear witness to His greatness; so that if men are deaf, their condemnation is echoed in all the elements.[1] When Jesus rode into Jerusalem and His followers cried out in adoration, the Pharisees urged Him to silence them. But Christ responded, “I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40). Such is the greatness of God that even the most lifeless elements of creation cannot help but proclaim His majesty.
If creation so willingly exalts its Maker, how much more should those who have been redeemed by His grace? How can we who have tasted His goodness and beheld His mercy fail to respond with unceasing praise? Let us not be outdone by the rocks, nor allow the voices of the seas and stars to surpass our own. Instead, let our lips and hearts continually proclaim the greatness of our God, joining in the eternal song of creation that exalts Him forever.
Contemplations
- The Lord’s Delight in His Creation. God rejoices in what He has made, and His glory endures forever. “And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Do I marvel at the handiwork of my Maker and praise Him for it, or do I take the wonder of all His works for granted?
- The Unceasing Praise of Creation. The heavens declare His glory, and the earth sings His name. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork” (Psalm 19:1). The chorus of creation surrounds me, I must allow my heart to join in their song!
- The Silence of the Redeemed. Jesus declared that if His followers were silent, the very rocks would cry out. “I tell you, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out” (Luke 19:40). Do I lift my voice daily in praise to the One who has redeemed me, or do I let creation speak in my place?
- The Greatness of God in My Life. The Lord’s glory fills the earth, and His works testify to His name. “Let them praise the name of the Lord: for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven” (Psalm 148:13). Lord, may my life ever praise and testify to Your power and goodness, acknowledging You in every detail of every glorious day!
Prayer
O Lord, You are clothed with glory and majesty, and Your splendor fills the heavens. You delight in Your creation, and all that You have made resounds with Your praise. The stars shine forth in testimony to Your greatness, the mountains stand in silent adoration, and the seas roar their acknowledgment of Your power. You are high above all, yet You take joy in the works of Your hands. Who is like You, O Lord, who reigns over all the earth?
Yet in my weakness, I have often failed to lift my voice in praise as I ought. My heart has been slow to adore You, my lips hesitant to speak of Your wonders. Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have been silent when I should have proclaimed Your name. Forgive me for allowing the cares of this world to dim my vision of Your glory. Have mercy on me, and renew within me a heart of joyful worship.
Thank you, Father, for opening my eyes to behold the beauty of Your works. You surround me with countless reminders of Your greatness, from the smallest blade of grass to the vast expanse of the heavens. You give me breath that I might praise You, a voice that I might exalt Your name. Let me never take for granted the privilege of worshiping You, but may my soul rejoice in You always.
Lord, stir within me a spirit of praise that cannot be quenched. Let my lips declare Your goodness day and night. May my heart be ever lifted in worship. If the very stones would cry out in Your honor, do not let me be silent! May I live as one who reflects Your glory, exalting You in all that I do. Let my life be a song of praise that rises before Your throne, joining in the eternal chorus that proclaims, “The Lord be glad in His works!” In Christ’s name I pray, Amen.
Further References for Psalm 104:31
Genesis 1:31; Romans 11:36; Exodus 40:35; Psalm 19:1, 102:16; Ephesians 3:21
[1] John Calvin, Commentary on the Book of Joshua (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2010), 281.
