Best of Daily Reflections: The Earth Is the LORD’s

The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.

Psalm 24:1

Psalm 24 begins by proclaiming that the earth belongs to God, including everything and every person in the world. His ultimate ownership of the entire earth derives from the fact that he created it in the first place (v. 2).

God’s ownership of the earth means that he values it profoundly. What happens in this world matters to God. God is not concerned only about otherworldly matters. Nor is God interested only in “spiritual” things and not material things. Many religions and even some varieties of Christianity denigrate this world and seek only for the saving of spirits out of this world. But full-fledged biblical Christianity cares for the world because it matters so much to God. We look forward in hope to the new creation, when God will restore the world and renew its people.

In the meanwhile, we honor God the creator by caring for his creation. Through our work, whether for pay or not, we have the opportunity to obey God’s command to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth and govern it (Gen. 1:28). When we seek the best for this world and its people, we are fulfilling our created purpose and serving the earth’s true owner.

QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER REFLECTION: How does God’s ownership of the earth impact your life? In what way does your work—including your contributions to your family, your volunteer efforts, your service in your church, your job, etc.—contribute to the flourishing of God’s creation?

PRAYER: Gracious God, today I’m reminded that this earth belongs to you, every bit of it. You created it. You care for it. You have redeemed it. And someday you will renew it.

I thank you for the gift of this earth, for its beauty and bounty. Even though sin has stained this world, it has not erased the clear evidence of your creative mastery.

Help me, dear Lord, to honor you by taking care of the earth and its people. May I see everything and every person in this world as belonging to you. Teach me to look upon this earth with your eyes. Amen.