Passage: Psalm 19
The Big Idea
God speaks in two books: creation and Scripture. The heavens declare His glory without words, and His Word revives the soul. The sun runs its course like a bridegroom; Jesus is the true Bridegroom and the living Word. And because we can’t even see all our own faults, we need His grace to cleanse us and keep us from sin’s rule.
Reflections
The heavens declare the glory of God (vv. 1-4). The more I look at nature, the more I see Your glory and creativity. You aren’t bland or cookie-cutter, but full of life, beauty and joyful expression, along with power. The days speak to me as I walk with You. And You’re willing to teach anyone in the world. In the heavens You’ve set a tabernacle for the sun, reminding me of the God who tabernacled among us: Jesus (John 1:14).
Like a bridegroom… like a strong man (vv. 5-6). Jesus is the Bridegroom and the strong man: passionately loving and strong, eager to love me and strong enough to deal with me. Nothing is hidden from His heat; nothing is outside His influence.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul (vv. 7-9). Now God’s Word takes center stage, and Jesus is the living Word. He’s perfect, and changing a soul is His specialty. He brings what’s missing in a life. His Word is always right, brings true joy to the heart and gives light to the eyes. Humble reverence before Him is clean and enduring. He sees everything, and still loves me and gives grace to the humble.
More to be desired than gold (vv. 10-11). His grace is more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. His servant receives everything needed from His words.
Who can understand his errors? (v. 12). I can’t fix myself. I can’t even understand all my problems. But You can wash me clean in Your blood. Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins (v. 13). I need a new power ruling me. Only Your grace can keep sin from dominating my life (Romans 6:14).
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart (v. 14). Only Your grace can make both the outside and the inside acceptable to You, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Grace Takeaway
Look up at the sky, then open His Word. The same God who made the heavens wants to revive your soul, cleanse your hidden faults and be your strength and Redeemer today.
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