4 Reasons the Earth is the Lord’s Psalm 24:1 Devotional

What is the Meaning of Psalm 24:1?

Psalm 24 opens with the declaration…

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;

Psalm 24:1 NIV

This powerful statement, written by King David, affirms God’s absolute ownership over all creation. It proclaims that every part of the earth, from the dry land to the seas, belongs to Him because He’s the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

The verse begins with the phrase “The earth is the Lord’s,” establishing God as the Creator and rightful owner of the entire world, reinforcing His sovereignty over everything we see and experience.

It continues with “the fullness thereof,” emphasizing that not only does the earth itself belong to God, but so does everything it consists of, its abundant resources, beauty, and life it supports.

The next phrase, “the world,” expands on this idea, referring to the entire inhabited earth and highlighting the vast scope of God’s dominion over every corner of creation, from the heights of the mountains to the depths of the seas.

Finally, the scripture declares, “they that dwell therein,” making it clear that all living creatures, including human beings, are under God’s authority and care. We’re created in His own image to reflect His glory and fulfill His purposes.

This verse calls us to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and reject false gods that seek to divert our worship. In its original context, this Psalm of David celebrates God’s presence and power. It invites us to reflect on the King of Glory, whose rightful rule extends over the whole earth and all who dwell in it. Through this lens, we recognize that God’s ownership touches every aspect of our lives and creation, encouraging us to live in awe of His majesty and under His care.

1. God’s Creation of the Earth

Genesis gives us a complete history of the earth’s creation and everything in it.

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

Genesis 1:1 NKJV

 

This foundational truth in the Old Testament establishes God as the rightful owner of all creation. Genesis 1:1 not only introduces the eternal God as the Creator but also sets the tone for the entire Bible, emphasizing His sovereignty over everything. It reminds us that the world didn’t just appear, it was intentionally designed by a wise and loving Creator.

The dry land, the fish of the sea, the wild animals, and even human beings were all made by Him and for His purposes. He created nature to reflect His beauty, wisdom, and moral perfection. Each part of creation reveals God’s character.

The second verse of Psalm 24 explains that God founded the earth upon the seas and established it upon the floods.

For He has founded it upon the seas,
And established it upon the waters.

Psalm 24:2 NKJV

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This poetic imagery accentuates the power and authority of the eternal Creator, who formed the earth with unmatched precision and order. As the One who holds the title deeds to the whole earth, God reminds us that everything we see, every ocean wave, every blade of grass, and every star in the sky, belongs to Him.

Everything good and beautiful originates from Him, the Almighty God, who is the source of life and blessings. His creation reflects His glory and invites us to worship the One who brought the world into being and sustains it with His presence and provision.

2. God’s Purpose for the Earth

God’s purpose for the earth is intricately tied to His plan for humanity. The earth is a place where His creations can live, thrive, and worship Him. Isaiah 45:18 says…

For this is what the Lord says—He who created the heavens, He is God; He who fashioned and made the earth, He founded it; He did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited.

Isaiah 45:18 NIV

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This verse reveals that God intentionally designed the earth as a dwelling place for human beings, where His presence and purposes could be fulfilled.

God’s blessings in creation, lush forests, sparkling rivers, and fruitful harvests, aren’t just material things for us to enjoy, they’re expressions of His love for His children. These beautiful things show us God’s provision and care, drawing our hearts toward Him in gratitude and worship.

The earth is not only our home but also the stage for God’s redemptive plan to unfold through Jesus Christ, who came to earth to bring eternal life to the children of men. In the New Testament, we see how the blood of Christ made eternal life possible for human beings. Jesus emphasized this redemptive purpose in the Gospel of Matthew with this command for every Christian…

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

​Matthew 28:18-20 NIV

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​This is the Great Commission, and it assures us that God’s ownership of the earth extends to His authority to redeem it. The Good News of Salvation is designed for every person on earth. Through Jesus Christ, the stage has been set for the fulfillment of God’s promises to reconcile all things to Himself. As followers of Christ, we’re called to take part in this mission, bringing the hope of salvation to the whole world.

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3. God’s Presence on the Earth

The presence of God fills the earth in ways both seen and unseen. From the beauty of a sunrise to the provision of food for every living creature, God’s glory is evident. Psalm 24 goes on to ask…

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
    And who shall stand in his holy place?

Psalm 24:3 ESV

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This verse is about the majesty of God’s presence and the sacredness of entering into fellowship with Him on the mountain of the Lord. This question emphasizes our need for a pure heart and clean hands to fully experience His presence.

In the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant symbolized the presence of God, dwelling in the temple within the Most Holy Place, where only the high priest could enter once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people. Today, through the Holy Spirit, God’s presence resides within anyone who calls upon Jesus’ name. As this passage reminds us…

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV

 

​This verse tells us the incredible truth that God’s Spirit lives within believers, making us a sacred space for His work and presence. Through the Holy Spirit, the presence of God isn’t confined to a physical temple. Instead, He lives inside our hearts, empowering us to live in alignment with His will and reflect His light into the world.

4. God’s Dominion Over the Earth

As the King of Glory, God exercises complete dominion over the earth. His throne of grace isn’t confined to Heaven but extends to the whole world, displaying His sovereign rule over every corner of creation. Psalm 24 continues…

Lift up your heads, O gates!
And be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of Glory may come in.
Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord, strong and mighty,
the Lord, mighty in battle!
Lift up your heads, O gates!
And lift them up, O ancient doors,
that the King of Glory may come in.
Who is this King of Glory?
The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory!

Psalm 24:7-10 ESV

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​The everlasting doors and ancient gates in this passage are a poetic invitation for the King of Glory to reign in every aspect of creation, emphasizing His authority as the Lord of Hosts and the rightful ruler of the whole earth.

God’s sovereignty means that He’s the rightful owner of all things, both seen and unseen. He doesn’t simply oversee the natural world, He also governs the moral and spiritual realms, calling His people to align their lives with His divine purposes.

As His children we’re invited to recognize His authority, honor His holy name, and submit to His good and perfect will, knowing that His dominion is eternal and His reign is righteous. This beautiful psalm shows us the glorious truth that the earth and everything in it belong to the Lord, who rules over it with wisdom, strength, and love.

Our Stewardship of God’s Creation

While God retains ultimate ownership of the earth, He has entrusted us with caring for it. As image-bearers of the Most High God, we’re called to be stewards of the resources and beautiful things He has provided. This stewardship includes taking care of the domestic and wild animals, the fish of the sea, the dry land, and all the good things God has placed in creation.

Stewardship is more than simply preserving the earth, it’s about honoring God’s presence in His creation and living in a way that aligns our actions with His divine purposes. When we care for the earth responsibly, we reflect the heart of a shepherd, tending to the world with love and diligence. By maintaining a close relationship with our Creator and His creation, we honor Him and ensure that future generations can experience the beauty, blessings, and glory of His handiwork.

God’s Hand in Creating the Earth

God’s hand is visible in every aspect of creation, shaping the great mountain ranges and forming the smallest living creature with care. Each blade of grass, every drop of rain, and every star in the sky bears the mark of His craftsmanship. Psalm 19 shares this truth…

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Psalm 19:1 NIV

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This verse reminds us that the intricate beauty of the earth reflects our Heavenly Father’s eternal power and divine nature, revealing His glory in everything He’s made. From the foundation of the earth to the life of every creature, God’s hand shows His unmatched creativity, authority, and love for His creation.

God’s Ownership and Our Response

Recognizing God’s ownership of the earth should inspire us to worship Him with hearts full of gratitude. Psalm 24:1 reminds us that we’re not left to navigate the path of life on our own, instead, the God of our salvation is actively involved in the world today. He invites us to open our hearts and allow the King of Glory to reign over every aspect of our lives.

This truth challenges us to align our lives with God’s will, leaving behind our sinful ways and pursuing a life that reflects His holiness. Standing in the holy place of the Lord requires a heart devoted to Him and a life shaped by integrity and sincerity. Through the saving work of Jesus Christ, we’re redeemed and made worthy to approach God with confidence, embracing the blessings of His grace and the joy of His abiding presence.

Living in Light of Psalm 24:1

In this Psalm 24:1 Devotional, we’ve explored God’s sovereignty, presence, and purpose for the whole earth. This verse calls us to honor God’s ownership by living as faithful stewards of His creation. Whether we’re caring for the earth, worshiping the name of the Lord, or sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ, our actions reflect His glory and draw other people to Him.

The earth is the Lord’s, and every part of it reveals His majesty and grace. As we lift our eyes to the mountain of the Lord and marvel at the beauty of His creation, let’s remember that He’s not only the rightful owner of the world but also the eternal God of our salvation. This truth inspires us to live with gratitude and purpose, reflecting His love and faithfulness in all we do.

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