A Prayer of Gratitude for the Gift of Seasons - Your Daily Prayer - September 24

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Psalm 104 is a beautiful work of art, whether you read it as a spiritual poem or a song from the heart. It’s a passionate pouring out of awe and appreciation for God’s marvelous ability to generate and balance everything. Opening and closing with the three words “Praise the Lord,” this ancient hymn reads like a rising crescendo and stirs up reverence in my soul.

Biblical scholars propose that the author is unknown; however, some suggest that the author's poetic, lyrical style is reminiscent of David or Solomon. The psalm is described by theologians as a sacred retelling of God’s creation story in Genesis. Its main theme is thankfulness for all that God has made. Savoring it can help cultivate a heart of gratitude, especially for nature's wonders. By the time we reach verse 19, we’re shown the glory of God’s work on the fourth day of creation, as described in Genesis 1:14:

And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days, and years.”

In a similar way, Psalm 104:19 says that God “made the moon to mark the seasons” and that “the sun knows when to go down.”

It’s a brief but important element of this psalm, because it showcases how the moon and sun are God’s design as a heavenly duo — and they are eternally doing precisely what God intended.

How astonishing is it that we do absolutely none of this celestial caretaking! Yet, we’re drawn to and guided by their movement, shapes, and light. We plan our holidays, harvests, plantings, and daily activities around what the sun and moon do for us in every season. Morning, evening, daylight, and moonlight are shifts we not only enjoy but literally survive by.

And if we live in a place on the globe where colors and temperatures change with the seasons, we get to see how the moon and sun transform in tandem with the seasons. The moon reflects varying amounts of sunlight as each month unfolds, revealing a portion of itself that constantly changes shape. The sun rises and lowers, tracking the hours of each day. Foliage may trade greens for golds and reds, and ice-covered trees can resemble glass. And all around us, depending on where we live, the temperature rises and falls in God’s perfect timing.

How amazing that God communicates his tender and perpetual care in such clear, reliable, and picturesque ways. He holds the sun and moon in perfect balance while our planet rotates, and every living thing cycles through phases according to His plan.

When you take time to consider the sun, moon, planets, seas, mountains, forests, and beyond, it becomes clear that we are witnessing divine miracles everywhere. Every day, every night, and in every season, we can look up, behold, and believe that God does what he says he will ... and is who he says he is.

Let’s Pray

Dear God, thank you so much for the gift of seasons. Wherever we go in the world, we can find a place where you are showing us the splendor and purpose of your sun and moon. Whether we live in or travel to cold places to witness the aurora borealis, or warm places to marvel at the length of days, we’re blessed by your celestial power and holiness.

May we be reminded today, and tonight, that you are always at work, balancing your entire creation, ensuring the sun and moon know when to do the supernatural work you assigned to them.

Thank you for the gift of sunrise, given freely as a promise of your power and provision.

Thank you for the moon’s reflection that shines forth your majesty and peace.

I’m undone by what you provide, without any of my involvement or ability.

What a blessing to repeat these words from the end of Psalm 104, in every season:

Praise the LORD, my soul. Praise the Lord.

Amen.

Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional spoke to you on the Crosswalk Forum.

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Lia Girard is a seasoned writer, poet, and voice artist who formerly served as Faith Editor for Crosswalk.com and currently co-hosts the "Your Daily Prayer" podcast on Lifeaudio. She also shares her nature-inspired poetry on Instagram @wildpeace.poetry, and offers peaceful reflections on healing and hope through her “Heart of a Wildflower” podcast. Lia enjoys life with her husband and grown children, and walking in the woods with God.

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