Message Notes

MORNING WORSHIP 16 August 2020
Text: Psalm 104
Title: “Bless the LORD… You are very great”

INTRODUCTION

1. To bless God

a) To bow the knee

b) To give high praise

2. Oftentimes, we bless the LORD because:

a) Our prayers are answered

b) Special blessings have been obtained

This is good and right!

3. An extension of blessing the LORD

a) This is taught in Psalm 104

b) The LORD’s Name should be blessed when we understand His works

c) It may be called “an extension”

i) It is an extra thing we want to consider doing

ii) It is something that would deepen our life and significantly too

BLESSING THE LORD

1. A personal practice
“Bless the LORD, O my soul!” Psalm 104:1a

a) This was commonly practised among the righteous

b) This is to be commended

c) This is to be cultivated

2. But the focus is Not personal blessing
As in Psalm 103:1-5

a) There is a contrast with Psalm 103

b) This is not a bad kind of contrast though

c) We learn how to go further in our commitment to praise the LORD

A DEEPER SENSE OF APPRECIATION OF GOD FOR WHO HE IS

1. Appreciating the greatness of God
“O LORD my God, You are very great” Psalm 104:1b

a) He is clothed with honour and majesty (Psalm 104:1c)

b) He is covered with “light” (b)

i) A reference to the garments of God

ii) It communicates the idea of brightness or brilliance

c) God’s movements

i) The clouds are His chariots (Psalm 104:3b)

ii) He walks on the wings of the wind (Psalm 104:3c)

2. Appreciating God as Creator

a) He made the heavens, the sun, the moon (Psalm 104:2b, 19-23)

b) He made the angels His servants (Psalm 104:4)

c) He laid the foundations of the earth (Psalm 104:5)

d) He made the earth and all living things (Psalm 104:5-30)

3. Appreciating God as the Sustainer of Life

a) All seek food from God (Psalm 104:21)

i) This is particularly seen in the animal kingdom

ii) It is amazing to see how God has provided and sustained

b) All wait upon the Lord (Psalm 104:27)

i) This is true for all, though it may be an unconscious waiting

ii) This is wonderfully true, to all who are consciously waiting

c) If God were to hide His face

i) All would be troubled (Psalm 104:29a)

ii) He takes away our breath and we die (b)

d) If God were to send forth His Spirit

i) New life is created (b)

ii) All things may be refreshed (Psalm 104:30b)

BLESSING THE LORD IN PRAISE

1. For His manifold works
“O LORD, how manifold are Your works!” (Psalm 104:24a)

a) We need to take time to ponder

b) We must find time to praise

2. For His profound wisdom
“In wisdom You have made them all” (Psalm 104:24b)

a) How good to stand in awe and wonder

b) How good to offer praise from a heart that has been profoundly touched

BLESSING THE LORD IN PRAYER

1. The glory of God
“May the glory of the LORD endure forever!” (Psalm 104:31a)

a) This is a godly prayer

b) This is a prayer of great worth

2. Rejoicing of God
“May He rejoice in His works!” (Psalm 104:31b)

a) This is a heartfelt wish

b) As we rejoice, may the Lord find joy in His work too

3. Our Meditation
“May my meditation be sweet to Him!” (b)

a) This is a personal challenge

b) Meditation and prayer go together closely (Psalm 5:1-2)

4. Judgment of the wicked
“May sinners be consumed from the earth,
And the wicked be no more!” (Psalm 104:35a)

a) This is a prayer against the wicked

b) It is a prayer for justice to be upheld

5. A personal commitment
“Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Praise the LORD.” (Psalm 104:35b)

a) It is a good commitment to make

b) It is one that is worthy of keeping diligently

CONCLUSION

1. Extending our knowledge of God

2. Experiencing a deeper relationship with the Lord

3. Expressing praise in a more profound manner