I admit it; I don’t always hear my wife’s requests. Sometimes, I don’t hear them. My ears simply don’t hear the sound. But at other times, I hear just fine, but I’m either focused on something else, or I simply don’t listen. And sometimes I hear and listen but simply forget what she said. Am I the only one?
Our next Psalm also considers the art and depth of communication. “For the choir director. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. Their message has gone out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming from his home; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat. The instruction of the Lord is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the command of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb. In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward. Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed from blatant rebellion. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19, CSB)
There are three movements in this Psalm. Verses 1-6 explore how God speaks through the world around us. The heavens declare God’s glory – but is anyone listening? Verses 7-11 explore God’s specific instruction and declare them more valuable than a heap of gold. The last section, verses 12-14, provides a prayerful response to be cleansed of sin in the light of God’s revelation.
The universe reveals God. Theologians call this God’s general revelation. Creation reveals something about the creator. There is a point of mediation here. How does God reveal Himself to you in the visible world around you? I see His hand in the colors of the dawn and sunset. I see His wisdom in the cycles of seedtime and harvest. I see His love on display as parents care for their children. What about you? How does God reveal himself to you in your world?
God doesn’t only speak through the universe, but He has given us the specific revelation of His word. The psalmist declares that “the precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad.” Is your heart made glad as you read His Word? The psalmist said God’s word was more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. What about you? What value do you place on God’s Word?
And finally, the Psalmist responds to God’s revelations with a plea to be cleansed. It is instructive that he identifies both unintentional and willful sins. He prays for God to reveal his hidden sin and for God to keep him from willful sins. Responding to God in this way is vital. So often, we think, “I’m OK” or “I’m not as bad as so and so.” If God’s word penetrates our hearts, we will humbly consider our sins.
This psalm has much to meditate on and soak in. How is God declaring Himself in the world we experience? How do we value the Word of God and its revelation of God? How do we apply these revelations to life and love? Are we brave enough to ask God to reveal our hidden unintentional sins and honest enough to confront our willful sins? What is our motive for doing so? The Psalmist’s motive was knowing God, His revelation, and His word, which leads to loving and trusting Him even more.
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