Psalm 19
1The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6Its rising is from the end of the heavens and its circuit to the end of them, and nothing is hid from its heat.
7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12But who can detect one’s own errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
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Our beautiful world is filled with big, stunning places where God’s creation is majestically on display. It might be colossal mountains in Colorado or Switzerland. It might be waterfalls in northern Minnesota or Iceland. Mystical rock formations in Arizona or South Dakota. Or it might be catching a glorious sunrise or sunset from your kitchen window when the sky is painted with pinks, oranges, reds, and purples.
You just read Psalm 19….now reread it, slowly, one more time. This beautiful psalm is a “creation” psalm—a psalm that praises God as creator of heaven and earth. Feast your eyes on the beautiful language that talks of God’s glory in creation and the law.
Verses 1-4 proclaim God’s glory for his creation and praise God. “The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork”
Verses 7-10 are about the perfect law of the Lord and his instructions for us. Instructions that revive our souls and make people wise. “More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.”
Verses 11-12 explain that God’s law works in two ways. It teaches us how to live in the world, and, it warns us when we don’t follow the law, to ask for forgiveness.
As I’ve been writing this devotion, the hymn sung on a recent Sunday keeps playing in my head:
All creatures, worship God most high! Sound ev’ry voice in earth and sky: Alleluia! Alleluia! Sing, brother sun in splendor bright; sing, sister moon and stars of night: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
We’ll use verse 14 as today’s prayer:
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Amen.
—Daina Sivanich