As teenagers, it can be easy to feel like there isn’t much we can do to make a difference the world. We might think that our actions are too small or insignificant to really matter. But Psalm 104 reminds us that every single thing we do has an impact on the world around us. This Psalm reminds us of God’s greatness and power, and how we are called to care for His creation.
Bible Reading 1: Psalm 104:24-26
- “O Lord, how manifold are your works!
- In wisdom you have made them all;
- the earth is full of your creatures.
- Yonder is the sea, great and wide,
- creeping things innumerable are there,
- living things both small and great.
- There go the ships,
- and Leviathan that you formed to sport in it.”
Explanation
- In this passage, we see that God has created everything in the world with wisdom and intentionality.
- We also see that God cares about all of His creatures, from the smallest insect to the largest sea creature.
- Finally, we see that God delights in His creation, as He created Leviathan to “sport” in the sea.
Discussion Questions
1. What does this passage teach us about God’s character?
2. How can we show that we appreciate God’s creation?
3. Why do you think God created such a diverse range of living creatures?
Bible Reading 2: Psalm 104:27-30
- “These all look to you
- to give them their food in due season;
- when you give to them, they gather it up;
- when you open your hand, they are filled with good things.
- When you hide your face, they are dismayed;
- when you take away their breath, they die
- and return to their dust.
- When you send forth your Spirit, they are created,
- and you renew the face of the ground.”
Explanation
- In this passage, we see that God provides for all of His creatures, giving them food and sustaining them.
- We also see that God is the giver of life, and that without Him, everything would cease to exist.
- Finally, we see that God’s Spirit is the source of new life and renewal.
Discussion Questions
1. How can we trust God to provide for us?
2. Why is it important to remember that God is the giver of life?
3. How can we see God’s Spirit at work in the world around us?
Youth Group Game: Creation Scavenger Hunt
Divide into teams and give each team a list of things to find in nature (ex: a red leaf, a bird feather, a smooth rock). The team that finds all the items first wins.
Bible Reading 3: Psalm 104:31-34
- “May the glory of the Lord endure forever;
- may the Lord rejoice in his works,
- who looks on the earth and it trembles,
- who touches the mountains and they smoke!
- 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.”
Explanation
- In this passage, we see that the glory of the Lord endures forever and that He rejoices in His creation.
- We also see that even the earth trembles at the touch of God, showing His power and might.
- Finally, we see that the Psalmist delights in praising God and meditating on His goodness.
Discussion Questions
1. How can we show our appreciation for God’s creation?
2. What can we learn about God’s character from the way He interacts with His creation?
3. How can we incorporate praise and meditation into our daily lives?
Closing Prayer
Dear God, thank you for creating such a wonderful world for us to live in. Help us to appreciate the beauty of your creation and to care for it as you have called us to do. May we always remember that you are the giver of life and that your Spirit renews all things. We praise you and give you thanks. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.