It’s a primary task of aspiring startup artists. In order to be known they need to showcase their work. In order to establish their mark they need to be able to present their ideas, skills, and some evidence of their capability. It becomes a body of work against which they are evaluated . . . a compilation of their outputs which serve to establish their name. It is their portfolio. And this morning, Psalm 104 presents something of God’s portfolio . . .

O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom have You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.   (Psalm 104:24 ESV)

Psalm 104 is a wonderful catalog of the works of God. From setting the earth on it’s foundation . . . to putting in place the ways of the animal kingdom . . . to wiring in place the ecosystem . . . to shaping daily and seasonal routines around the consistency of the sun and the moon . . . to actively, consistently, infusing and sustaining the earth with on-going life . . . the psalmist connects creation with the Creator. It all declares the manifold works of God . . . it reveals the “Artist” . . . it showcases His capability . . . it reveals His heart . . . it is a part of His portfolio put on display.

You read the psalm and you sense the increasing excitement of the writer as he thoughtfully creates his list of all that declares the glory of God. And it’s stuff like springs that gush forth in the valleys providing drink to the beasts in the field . . . grass that grows to feed livestock and food that comes from the earth for man to partake of . . . trees in which birds build their nests . . . mountains which are home to wild goats . . . rocks that are put in place as the dwelling place for badgers . . . and “the sea, great and wide, which teems with creatures innumerable, living things both small and great.” The psalmist considers that all of it, that every living thing is dependent upon the One who made them . . . that they “all look to You, to give them their food in due season.”

The songwriter has eyes to see that the “natural order” of things is perpetuated only by the supernatural husbandry of the One “clothed with splendor and majesty” . . . that the mechanics and logistics formed into the earth’s operation are supervised by Him who “makes the clouds His chariot and rides on the wings of the wind” . . . that the beauty of the earth is a mere reflection of the glory of God.

Creation is the portfolio of God. It communicates something of His nature . . . it declares but a fraction of His power. As such, it should create wonder . . . it should invoke awe . . . it should prime the pump of praise . . . it will, if considered for any length of time at all, awaken the soul to bless the LORD!

I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have being. May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD. . . . Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!   (Psalm 104:33-35 ESV)

And amidst all that declares the glory of God . . . considering all that God has done and the joy it brings Him . . . there is something in the closing verses of this song which also evidences the reality of His hand . . . something else on this orb that God delights to have in His portfolio. It is the meditation of those who take notice of God’s work and rejoice in them. That, says the psalmist, pleases Him as well. It is another testimony to the hand of God . . . another small piece in His vast display of awesome works that declare His presence . . . another trophy of His grace which reflects His glory.

Oh, to slow down and reflect on God’s portfolio . . . to chew on the wonder of that which day by day I take for granted . . . to take note of the works of God and allow myself to get caught up in the wonder of God. Oh, to be part of His portfolio . . .

Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!