Background  The middle part of Psalm 104 focuses on God’s arrangement of creation so that it can flourish.  The earth, water, and heavenly lights of the first part of the Psalm are all part of this environment. Water gives drink to the animals and brings life to the lowly grass and the great cedars of Lebanon, which then provide food and homes for birds and cattle.  The low lights of night allow the forest creatures to sneak out, but also there is daytime when predators can see and feed.  This description includes humans as part of this broader creation, but not the center of it, God is that center.  The reading today creates a picture of God. God is wise and understands the complexity of his creation’s needs.  God is caring and has provided for those needs abundantly.  God accommodates diversity within a global connectedness, predator and prey, birds, man and Leviathan, all delightfully distinct and interdependent. 

Reading  Psalm 104:10-26

Reflection. Humans may not be the center, but we are not left out of God’s caring.  Vs 14-15 “ You cause the grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for people to use,  to bring forth food from the earth, and wine to gladden the human heart, oil to make the face shine, and bread to strengthen the human heart.”  The Psalmist thinks it is important that God doesn’t just provide our food, but also things for our happiness, comfort and strength.  What God has put into your life to provide happiness comfort and strength?  Last night in the wind, I was sure gratefully aware of the walls of my home sheltering me.  I’m sure we all have a list too long to say all of it, but that shouldn’t stop us from saying some of it and offering up thanks to God for it today.