Whenever I see the ocean (which is not often enough), I am awed by its sheer volume and beauty and power. Great ships loaded with oil or food or merchandise make long journeys across its vast surface. Fishing vessels, working near the shore or hundreds of miles at sea, harvest its rich provisions: lobster and crab, tuna and swordfish. Beneath its churning surface is a storehouse of wealth of all kinds, some still undiscovered.

The author of Psalm 104, recounting the works of God in a lofty hymn of praise, used the "great and wide sea" as an example of God's creative power and wisdom (vv.24-25). The Lord rules over all the "innumerable teeming things, living things both small and great" that inhabit the oceans (v.25). The psalmist referred in poetic terms to the ocean as the playground of Leviathan, a giant sea monster that God "made to play there" (v.26).

The surging ocean, both life-sustaining and dangerous, points us to the greatness of our God. He is awesome in His works, unlimited in His provision, and generous in His bestowal of all kinds of life.

Lord, truly Your works are magnificent! As I think of them, I join the psalmist in praising You.  — David C. Egner