Psalm 19 has to be one of my top five favorite of the Psalms.  It’s one I find myself quoting a lot.  How many times have I thought or said, “The heavens declare the glory of the Lord” (v. 1), “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” (v. 7), and “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (v. 14).  David began this Psalm overwhelmed, worshipping with God as the creator (vv. 1-6), moved to cherishing God’s Word (vv. 7-11), and asked the Lord to help him overcome sin and be pleasing in His sight (vv. 12-14).

In verses 1-6, David described the glorious creations of God in the heavens and the skies (v. 1).  David was not advocating worshipping created things, as this was prohibited by God (Exodus 20:4–5; Deuteronomy 4:14–19; 5:8–9).  He was worshipping God as he stared into the skies, something David had done numerous times as a young shepherd and continued to do even as king.  Everyone, regardless of social status or background, has seen the Creator through His creation, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–His eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).  David thought God’s creation of the sunrise and sunset declared His glory so wonderful that he compared it to a wedding and a victorious runner (vv. 5-6), make a point to look at length at the stars.  Get up early to enjoy a sunrise and find that picturesque place to take in a sunset.  What great moments of worship!

Still overwhelmed by the Creator, David described the treasure of God’s Word in verses 7-11.  He uses six different names to explain its value to the believer.  He calls God’s Word the perfect law of the Lord that refreshes the soul, the trustworthy statutes of the Lord that give wisdom, the accurate precepts of the Lord that bring joy, the radiant commands of that illuminate, the pure fear of the Lord that endures forever, and the firm decrees of the Lord that are righteous.  Think about that for a moment.  God’s perfect, trustworthy, accurate, radiant, pure, and firm Word brings refreshment, wisdom, joy, illumination, eternity, and righteousness!  What a great gift God has given us through His Word!  It truly is better than gold and sweeter than honey (v. 10).  That’s why it is so important to consume, meditate, and obey it daily.  It will warn and reward (v. 11).  Take time now to read Psalm 19.  Make a plan to read and study the Word daily. 

David ends this Psalm (vv. 12-14) in great comfort knowing he does not have enough discernment and wisdom to know everything sinful in his life nor can he do anything about it (v. 12).  God alone can see the thoughts and intents of the heart and forgive sin.  David knows the painful consequences of sin, mostly how it separates him from the Lord.  He asked the Lord to keep him from allowing sin to be his master so he will be blameless before God (v. 13). David concludes this great Psalm with a declaration to make his words and heart pleasing to the Lord.  He stated the Lord was not only dependable and our safety (Rock), but able to forgive and set us free (Redeemer).  What a mighty God He is!  Think now and worship God for how he has forgiven, freed, and been your rock.

Questions:

1.  Do you miss moments of worshiping God as you look at His creation?

2.  Do you take time to read and apply God’s Word daily?

3.  How has God forgiven, freed, and been your foundation?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for Your creation, Word, forgiveness, freedom, and foundation.  Help me to worship You when I see all you have created, trust and lean on your Word for wisdom and truth, and be thankful for your forgiveness, freedom, and security.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.