God’s Hand In All Creation
Psalm 65 (KJV)
1 Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed.
2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come.
3 Iniquities prevail against me: as for our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away.
4 Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple.
5 By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:
6 Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:
7 Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.
8 They also that dwell in the uttermost parts are afraid at thy tokens: thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice.
9 Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it: thou greatly enrichest it with the river of God, which is full of water: thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it.
10 Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly: thou settlest the furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers: thou blessest the springing thereof.
11 Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.
12 They drop upon the pastures of the wilderness: and the little hills rejoice on every side.
13 The pastures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing.
God’s Hand In All Creation
This Psalm can either be spoken, like a poem, or sung. No matter the format, all the praise will appropriately be given to God. David leads us into this Psalm as if we are all gathered in Zion, awaiting the grand arrival of our God. Imagine the atmosphere in Zion as all are united with baited breath for God’s appearance. What an eruption of shouts and adulations would fill the temple when God finally appears. David adds that vows will also be performed. David says, “unto thee shall all flesh come” (65:2). He sees not only the God of Israel but anticipates a time when all flesh, all nations and all people will come to know and worship the one true God.
David never fails to recognize that when he comes in the presence of his God, he comes seeking cleansing from his iniquities and transgressions. He seeks forgiveness and purging from evil. Jesus also calls us to pray for God to forgive us our trespasses (Luke 11:4). David says, “blessed is the man that thou chooseth” (65:4). David here has spiritual insight that God Himself chooses who will be able to approach Him. God or alone truly sees into the hearts of men. “Many are called but few are chosen” (Matt 22:14). These righteous men and women will be satisfied in the goodness of his courts. God is the God of our salvation. David again refers to other peoples who he believes will come to know the Lord. “Them who are afar off on the sea” (65:5).
Now David applauds God’s strength which he witnesses in all of nature, on the mountains, and which stilleth the noise of the seas. Again, all people that dwell in the uttermost parts witness God’s power in nature and are afraid. David sees in nature the praise and rejoicing that we humans do, reflecting the majesty of God. He goes on to describe this marvelous display of God’s handiwork in the natural world. God visiteth the earth and watereth it. He enriches it with the river of God. God prepareth them corn when he hath provideth for it.
David is saying that God provides, in His time of harvest, to bless the labor of man’s hands with bountiful food. Man may plant and water but God provides the increase. David goes on admiring how God waters and settles the ground and blesses what springs forth from it. Evoking thoughts of harvest time again, David says “thou crowneth the year with thy goodness” (65:11). The abundant blessings of the Lord are substantial and satisfying. “Thy paths drop fatness” (65:11). The little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks. The valleys are covered over with corn. Imagine acres and acres of this wonderful provision from God for His people. They rejoice and sing.
Have you ever attended a concert for your favorite artist? Can you recall that moment just before the entertainer appears on the stage? Thousands of adoring fans are silent but the room is buzzing with hopeful anticipation. Do you remember the huge release of emotions, cheers, and applause when the star appeared on stage? This is the setting I imagine for Psalm 65. The release of gratitude, thanks and praise to God occurs not only in the temple but also in nature itself. This psalm reminds me that attending church, joining in fellowship with others, is a time of outpouring of our hearts in joyful release to God. I ask God to help me to come to Him with this attitude of jubilant enthusiasm, freely declaring His blessings that He has bestowed upon me. Let me not hold back my voice of song and praise to thee.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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