I. Psalm 145:2,3, 86:8-10
This inspiring Hymn of praise and devotion reminds us of God's
unlimited power and love in creation and redemption. Although
written in the past century, the hymn has become very familiar
since the close of World War II. The original text was written
by Carl Boberg. In 1886, while visiting a beautiful country estate,
Boberg, was caught in a sudden thunderstorm. The awesome and violent
lighting and thunder quickly ended, leaving clear brilliant sunshine
and the calm, sweet singing of the birds in the trees. Falling
on his knees in awe and adoration of Almighty God, he wrote nine
stanzas of praise.
II. Verse 1-read
A. "O Lord, my God!" Psalms 3:7,8, 7:1, Acts 2:38-39,
Romans 6:11, Eph 1:3-6
Please note that in the Old Testament passages we see God referred
to as Lord and God. Then in the New Testament passages: God the
Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. God and Jesus work as one and
are one. See also John 1:1-5
B. "When I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds thy hands have made." Gen. 1:14-19, Heb. 1:1-2 If you will walk outside on a clear night and look to the heavens and see the many worlds that the Lord has made, it should have not only a humbling effect on us but also an attitude of appreciation that the God who has made all this would be so concerned about us, that he would send his son to give us hope!
C. "I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, thy power
throughout the universe displayed." Psalms 8:3-4, Ex. 9:23,
Psalms 77:16-19, Jeremiah 10:12 Not only can we see the great
power of God in his creation of the stars, but nature displays
the power of God that has no equal in the universe.
III. Verse 2-read
A. "When through the woods and forest glades I wander, And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees, When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur, and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze." Psalms 29:1-11
B. The glory of God can be seen in everything, but as we wander
through the magnificent forests, the songs of the birds, the breath
taking views from mountain tops, a clear clean brook and the gentle
breeze on a hot day, we get not only an understanding of his glory
but respect for his power and ability.
IV. Verse 3-read
A. "And when I think that God his son not sparing, sent him to die I scarce can take it in." John 3:16-18, Heb. 1:1-8 See also II.B.
B. "That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled
and died to take away my sin." Matt 11:28-30, Rom. 6:8-11,
Hebrews 9:13-28 Without Christ all are without hope, all are without
spiritual help, all are without God. It is the perfect sacrifice
of Jesus Christ that makes these possible.
V. Verse 4-read
A. "When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation, and take me home what joy shall fill my heart." I Thess. 4:16-17, John 16:20-28
B. "Then I shall bow in humble adoration, and there proclaim, My God How Great Thou Art!" Matt. 5:5, Psalms 57:9-10, 71:19, Rev. 15:3