God is at Work
God of The Mountains (Vv5-10 ESV)
“He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved. 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7 At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight. 8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them. 9 You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth. 10 You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills;”
We have quickly jumped to verse 5 with the purpose of focusing on how God is at work. His work includes both creation and care. Similarly, when we are born of the Spirit of God, we also care for the environment, creation, and even people. There is a sense of becoming a caring people when God is in us because we bear His image and are made in His likeness. Therefore, we also work like Him and care for the things around us.
Now, when we read verses 5–9, we see how God is in control of all the scenic views that we get to see when we hike. Sometimes, through bloggers, we see magnificent, gorgeous, gigantic mountains with lakes on top. After hiking for seven or eight hours, you finally arrive and are amazed at your first glance of the lake right in the middle of the mountains and at the very top.
Who made it? How Did it Even Happen?
Growing up and looking at magnificent gigantic mountains, I used to ask, “Who is the builder of these mountains?” The answer I got was that it is God. However, I was not convinced at that age, maybe because my faith in God was not strong. I wanted to attribute this magnificent work of the mountains to humans. Alas! But now we know it is God, the Creator of mountains, lakes, rivers, beaches, and oceans, an awesome and skillful Creator.
The beauty of God is also seen in His care for His creation. The psalmist says in verse 5 that the earth will not be moved. God sets its foundation. These spectacular views remain because of Him. And the good news is that you can go back anytime in the summer and have the same view over and over again. If you are a serious hiker, maybe you will even try in the winter.
I once did a crazy hike in Kananaskis in February with some friends. We made sure not to forget our microspikes and ice cleats. It was an awesome hike. But we did not see any lakes at the top because they were frozen. Yet those lakes were still there. They had not gone anywhere. And if you go again in the summer, you will see the same view over and over again.
Why? Because God has spoken for that scenic view of the mountains and waters to stay there. They are not moving anywhere because God holds them together. God sustains it.
Now, the reassurance here is that if God holds the mountains together, He has your back in every season of life. He will take care of you and will not let you be shaken. If He cares for the mountains, how much more will He care for you?
The God of The Mountains Will Sustain You.
The God of The Valleys (Vv11-13)
“they give drink to every beast of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell; they sing among the branches.
13 From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.”
Now the psalmist does not keep his eyes only on the tops of the mountains. He also looks at how God works in bringing springs forth in the valleys. Not only that, God even takes care of the wild donkeys. Not many of us would even care to talk about donkeys. We would rather admire a majestic Clydesdale Scottish Horse. Yet God cares even for the donkeys, including the birds of the heavens. And God provides for them all.
The psalmist says, “The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your work.” God satisfies the earth through His provision and care. If God cares for wild animals and birds, how much more will He care for you?
Now, when we hear the word “valley,” we can also apply it symbolically to seasons of difficulty and hardship. In biblical imagery, valleys often represent dry places, difficult seasons, and moments where people can lose hope. But Psalm 104 reminds us that God is not merely observing creation from a distance. He is actively involved even in the valleys.
Therefore, by faith, we can say:
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.”
Why? Because God does not sleep. God is awake. God is watching over my life. God is at work.
The God of the Valleys Will Not LeaveYou in Despair.
The God of Providence (Vv 14-15)
“You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth 15 and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man's heart.”
Moving ahead to the last chunk of the message, “God is at work,” we see that not only does God sustain or care, but He also provides. He provides for the cattle, green grass, plants for man, wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread to strengthen his heart. Even “100-year-old wine,” just to add that picture of richness and abundance. Wow! There is so much going on in these few verses.
The main point is that God provides, and He also cares for human flourishing and well-being. Even for the cattle. The character of God is revealed in this psalm. We need to know that He cares and provides.
According to Millard J. Erickson, divine providence is seen in God’s preservation, as He makes grass grow and sustains creation; His concurrence, as He actively provides for animals and humans; andHis government,as He orders all creation to flourish and be satisfied according to His wise purpose.
The God of Providence Will Provide Everything For a Good Life.
But if you are not experiencing Psalm 104, then you and I might need to consider that we may have been ignoring God. Sometimes we are tested even when we do not ignore God, and things can look tough. Sometimes it is just a season of the valley. For some, it might be a step of faith to start following God.Just like me when I was young, I ignored the power of God manifested in His creation through the mountains. Some of you might have been ignoring God for your whole life, not knowing the good and beautiful God who sustains everything even in the middle of chaos, the God who made you in His image.
All you need to do is believe in God, trust Him, and follow Him. Enjoy Him, knowing that He is the God of the mountains and the valleys, and that all providence comes from Him. God is at work.Just be aware of Him. Acknowledge Him.
