Friday, November 6, 2015

Psalm 19: God's Greatness Is Revealed

The author of Psalm 19 is David.  In this psalm, David's steps of meditation take him from creation; through God's Word, through David's own sinfulness, to salvation. As God reveals himself through Scripture, we learn about his holiness and our sinfulness.  As God reveals himself through daily experiences, we learn about his gracious forgiveness and our salvation.
 
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat" ~ Psalm 19:1-6
 
We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God's craftsmanship - the heavens give dramatic evidence of his existence, his power, his love, his care.  To say that the universe happened by chance is absurd.  Its design, intricacy and orderliness point to a personally involved Creator. As you look at God's handiwork in nature and the heavens, thank him for such magnificent beauty and the truth it reveals about the Creator.
 
"The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward"
~ Psalm 19:7-11
 
When we think of the law, we often think of something that keeps us from having fun.  But here we see the opposite -- law that revives us, makes us wise, gives joy to the heart, gives light to the eyes, warns us, and rewards us.  That's because God's laws are guidelines and lights for our path, rather than chains on our hands and feet. They point at danger and warn us, then point at success and guide us.
 
"Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgressions" ~ Psalm 19:12-13
 
Many Christians are plagued by guilt.  They worry that they may have committed a sin unknowingly, done something good with selfish intentions, failed to put their whole heart into a task, or neglected what they should have done. Guilt can play an important role in bringing us to Christ and keeping us behaving properly, but it should not cripple us or make us fearful.  God fully and completely forgives us -- even for those sins we do unknowingly.
 
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" Psalm 19:14
 
Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God first? David asks that God approve his words and thoughts as though they were offerings brought to the altar.  As you begin each day, determine that God's love will guide what you say and how you think.

1 comment:

  1. Psalm 19 / New International Version

    1-"The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
    2-Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they display knowledge.
    3-There is no speech or language
    where their voice is not heard.
    4-Their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world."

    "In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
    5-which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
    6-It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is hidden from its heat."

    7-"The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul.
    The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
    8-The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
    The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
    9-The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
    The ordinances of the Lord are sure
    and altogether righteous.
    10-They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
    they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the comb.
    11-By them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward."

    12-"Who can discern his errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
    13-Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
    Then will I be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression."

    14-"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

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