“Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts. Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light. Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens. Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.”
(Psalm 148:2-5)
This psalm summons all creation to praise the Lord, the Creator. The angels praise Him because He made them. The sun, moon, and stars praise Him because He made them. The heavens praise Him because He made them. By His word He brought all things into existence. His will is power, and His word is action. So when God commands, the thing commanded comes into being.[1]
Creation shows the power of God, the wisdom of God, and the goodness of God. And the heavens especially show the constancy of God. The sun rises and sets. The moon follows its course. The stars remain in their places. The seasons come and go in order. All these things continue because God established them to do so. The stability of creation testifies to the stability of God and His word.
The order of the world displays the wisdom of its Creator. The power required to create all things shows His strength. The goodness of creation demonstrates His kindness. And the constancy of creation proves His faithfulness.
Creation also teaches us to trust God, because the God who created all things by His word is able to sustain all things by His word. The same God who established the heavens has established His promises. And if He can uphold the sun, moon, and stars, He can uphold His people. If He can govern the heavens, He can govern our lives. If His word created the world, His word is able to sustain the soul.
Therefore, all creation is called to praise Him—the angels, the hosts of heaven, the sun, moon, and stars. And man, who was created in His image and redeemed by His Son, should praise Him most of all. For the God who created all things is the same God who saves His people, preserves them, and brings them to glory.
He commanded, and the world was created. He commands, and His people are saved. He commands, and His promises stand forever.
Contemplations:
- The Power of God in Creation. Lord, when I consider that You created all things by Your word alone, I am humbled before You. You spoke, and the world came into existence. The heavens, the earth, the angels, and mankind all exist because You commanded it to be so. Help me remember that the same power that created the world is the power that rules my life. Nothing is too hard for You.
- The Constancy of God Seen in Creation. Father, when I look at the heavens, I see order, stability, and constancy. The sun rises, the seasons change, and the stars remain in their courses because You have established them. This reminds me that Your Word is just as constant. Your promises will not fail. Heaven and earth may pass away, but Your Word will never pass away. Help me trust Your Word as firmly as the heavens obey it.
- The Goodness of God in Creation. Lord, You created the world good, and You created man in Your image. You are a good and kind Creator. Every good thing I enjoy in this world comes from Your hand. Food, rest, friendship, beauty in creation, and every mercy in life comes from You. Help me see Your goodness in all You have made and to remember to thank You for every good gift.
- The Creator Is My God. Father, it is an amazing thing that the God who created the heavens and the earth is also my God. The One who made the stars is the One who cares for my soul. The One who governs the universe is the One who hears my prayers. Help me adore You, worship You, and live in reverence before You, because You are the great Creator and the faithful God of Your people.
Prayer (Adoration)
Great and glorious God, I praise You because You are the Creator of all things. You spoke, and the world was made. You commanded, and the heavens were created. The angels, the sun, the moon, the stars, the earth, and all that is in it exist because of Your power and Your will.
I praise You for Your great power. No one is like You. No one can create as You create. No one can command as You command. You alone are God, and there is none beside You. You are great in power, great in wisdom, great in holiness, and great in goodness.
I praise You for Your wisdom, which is seen in the order of creation. The heavens move in order, the seasons come in their time, and the world is sustained by Your power. You uphold all things by the word of Your power, and nothing can stand or move apart from Your will.
I praise You for Your goodness. You created the world good, and You have filled it with many blessings. You provide food, shelter, and countless mercies for Your creatures. You are kind and patient, and Your goodness is seen in all Your works.
I praise You also that the God who created all things is the God who saves. The God who made the world is the God who sent His Son. The God who created me is the God who has preserved me and cared for me all my life. I praise You that Your power, wisdom, and goodness are not only seen in creation but also in redemption.
You are worthy to be praised by angels, by men, and by all creation. Help me praise You not only with my words, but with my life. Let my heart adore You and my life honor You, for You are the Creator of all and the faithful God of Your people.
In Jesus’ name I pray.
Further Scripture References for Psalm 148:2-5:
Psalm 103:20; Job 38:7; Luke 2:13-14; Rev. 5:11; Gen. 1:1
[1] William Perkins, A Golden Chaine: Or The Description of Theology Containing the Order of the Causes of Salvation and Damnation, (Cambridge: John Legat, printer to the University of Cambridge, 1600), 10–11.
