My devotional reading this morning included Psalm 19, a Psalm that always helps me put my troubles in better perspective as I read of glory of God.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
This is a powerful reminder that God is in control. At times I may feel helpless but God displays his craftsmanship day after day and night after night. The message is heard throughout the earth.
Here is my favorite part:
It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
I have seen many radiant brides and bridegrooms after a wedding. It’s a look that confidently anticipates the future. And there is the image of a great athlete eager to run the race full of confidence in what the future holds.
In other words, be strong, be confident… not in yourself but in the God who created you and called you.
Do you need proof? Look at the sun rising in the heavens and follow its course. Nothing can hide from its heat.
The instructions of the LORD are perfect, reviving the soul.
The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The commands of the LORD are clear, giving insight for living.
The instructions of the Lord are perfect… reviving the soul, making wise the simple, bringing joy to the heart and giving insight for the living. The instructions we receive from God matter just as much in the digital age as they did thousands of years ago.
Reverence for the LORD is pure, lasting forever.
The laws of the LORD are true; each one is fair.
They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb.
Reverence for the Lord and the Laws of the Lord are pure, true, fair and last forever. This is the grounding we need to know that what we do is right, more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey. What we teach, how we act, what we do still matters and still makes a difference whether in our church or in the community.
They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
We are hearing of a warning and a reward. We recognize and name our sins so they can be cleansed. We recognize sin in the same way doctors diagnose a disease in order to offer a cure. Only then, can we serve God with grace, knowing we are free of guilt and sin.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
These are words often said before beginning a devotional message but after reading the rest of the Psalm, we can say them again with greater confidence.
These are God’s words, not mine. This meditation is from God, not me. For God is my rock and my redeemer.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
Amen.
May you feel God’s presence within you today.
