Psalms 104:14

In Psalm 103 he blesses Jehovah as the Forgiver and Healer of His people; in Psalm 104 as the glorious Creator; in Psalm 105 as faithful to His covenant with the fathers, and to His promises.

God also made the grass grow for cattle, and plants for man's use, on the same day, along with the trees that bear fruit (vv. 14-17). Then came the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun, making darkness and light, on the fourth day.

He also causes grass to grow for the farm animals, because He does not despise any of His creatures but shows them constant kindness. He provides other plants for man's use as well, and so brings food out of the earth (v. 14).

In Psalm 104 the Psalmist praised Him who sends the springs into the valleys, so that they run among the mountains. They are not for man only, nor for every beast of the field, even the wildest of them, but for the birds as well, who sing out among the branches.

So the grass grows for cattle and plants for man's use. God is set on sustaining this creature. He has placed man on the earth with dignity, as His image and likeness, to know Him and to be for Him. And so He made him the most dependent of all, precisely because he is master of all. Where is there a creature born to such weakness and such long helplessness as a human baby? Where is there one so defenceless by nature as a man in his prime, with no tooth or claw, no strength or speed, and even his skin bare to the wind? What is meant to show itself in him is spirit, and it does show — but only as he owns his dependence and uses all God's gifts with care.

The true God gives to all life and breath and everything else. Even in a ruined world this active goodness went out to all alike… How many are Your works, O Jehovah! In wisdom You have made them all. The earth is full of Your riches… What a commentary Psalm 104 is on God's sustaining goodness!

When the Apostle Paul was preaching to the restless crowds at Lystra, he reminded them that in past times God had let the nations go their own ways. Even so, the rain given from heaven and the fruitful seasons, the food and gladness that filled their hearts, were a testimony to the Creator. He did not leave Himself without witness. God's witness to people through creation never stops.

God knows our needs. He is a faithful Creator and He remembers how He has fashioned us. He has given us bodies, they need feeding, and He has provided food for that. Every mouthful we eat declares our dependence on God and should humble us before Him. We could not live without His provision for our daily needs. Knowing this would keep us from living independently of God, guard us from uncontrolled appetites, and keep us thankful to Him every day of our lives.