Awe, Joy, Wonder and Blessings

For the director of music. A psalm of David. A song.

Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;
    to you our vows will be fulfilled.
You who answer prayer,
    to you all people will come.
When we were overwhelmed by sins,
    you forgave our transgressions.
Blessed are those you choose
    and bring near to live in your courts!
We are filled with the good things of your house,
    of your holy temple.
You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,
    God our Savior,
the hope of all the ends of the earth
    and of the farthest seas,
who formed the mountains by your power,
    having armed yourself with strength,
who stilled the roaring of the seas,
    the roaring of their waves,
    and the turmoil of the nations.
The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;
    where morning dawns, where evening fades,
    you call forth songs of joy.
You care for the land and water it;
    you enrich it abundantly.
The streams of God are filled with water
    to provide the people with grain,
    for so you have ordained it.
You drench its furrows and level its ridges;
    you soften it with showers and bless its crops.
You crown the year with your bounty,
    and your carts overflow with abundance.
The grasslands of the wilderness overflow;
    the hills are clothed with gladness.
The meadows are covered with flocks
    and the valleys are mantled with grain;
    they shout for joy and sing.
– Psalm 65

With every sunrise, we are reminded of God’s greatness. The sun keeps rising. The world keeps turning. The stars keep dazzling. Then morning dawns again.

How amazing that God gives us a do-over every single morning! It’s why we can greet the day with joy instead of dread. Light has conquered the dark. Yesterday is gone. Hope dawns for the future.

Throughout this psalm, you can practically taste this morning hope—and it’s based on the character of God. He answers your prayers.

He forgives your sins. He fills your heart. He created the world you live and breathe and move in. He reigns over nature. He nurtures the land, giving humanity food and water.

Even when life feels messy and confusing, you can pray Scripture to God, repeating this verse: “You crown the year with your bounty” (verse 11). With an upturned, expectant face, you can ask God to renew your hope like the dawn. You can ask to experience his abundance yet again.

Reflect & Pray

Look outside and list all the places you see God’s handiwork. Sky, birds, trees, grass, dirt, honeybees, flowers, rain, and sunshine. Write a prayer saying thanks to God for the wonder he has created and the hope he gives for each day.

Lord, thank you for the hope of morning. I needed that today. Remind me of your provision. Help me find hope throughout my day, no matter what I may face, knowing you are with me. Amen.

Drawn from the NIV Radiant Virtues Bible.