God Makes His Sun Rise

Psalm 19:5,6 –

In them he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and there is nothing hid from its heat.

Of all the forces of nature the sun is perhaps the one that affects us most obviously and directly. So great is our dependence on its light and warmth that from the earliest times many have worshipped the sun as a god. Nowadays,of course, sun-worshippers tend to seek the sun on beaches and follow it south in the winter time! At the very outset (Genesis 1:16) the Bible makes it clear that the sun is no independent power; it was brought into being by God. But as part of creation it does point to the Creator.

The Psalmist speaks here of the sun in strong and joyful poetic images – rising in the morning and setting out on its daily course like a youthful and happy husband leaving home for his day's work, or like a powerful athlete springing from the starting blocks.

Without the light and heat of the sun life would be impossible. This psalm reminds us that behind the sun is God, the giver of all life.

The unwearied sun, from day to day,
Does his Creator's power display,
And publishes to every land
The work of an almighty hand.

Prayer: O God, how often do we complain when the sun does not shine; how seldom, when it is shining, do we pause to give thanks for its light and warmth. Help us to remember that all good gifts around us are sent from heaven above, and help us to respond in gratitude and love. Amen.