Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything, but God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

Psalm 19 (NRSV)

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament[a] proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet 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,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them;
and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?

Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;[d] do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let 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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Reflect

Psalm 19 reveals that we can see God’s footprints throughout nature. As footprints in the sand revealed to Robinson Crusoe that there must be other people on the island to which he had been cast in a storm, so God’s footprints are seen in every detail of creation as evidence of an omnipotent, all-wise, loving Creator. The heavens, including the sun, moon, and stars are like a flag flying, showing that God is as home in His universe.

Psalm 19 also reveals that we can see God through His Word; in fact, the primary purpose of the Bible is to reveal God to those who read and study it. Scripture reveals God’s glory, holiness, righteousness, justice, mercy, and love. I would even suggest that the purpose of Scripture is to convert the soul, make wise the simple, and rejoice the hearts of those who love God and His Word. Lastly, Psalm 19 reveals others can see God’s glory through our lives. Scripture not only shows us our sins, but it also has the ability to cleanse us as we become aware of our sins and go to Christ for cleansing. Those who confess or agree with God that they are sinners and ask for cleansing are saved and cleansed by the shed blood of Christ, thus allowing God’s glory to be revealed in us for others to see.

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Pray

Gracious God, we praise You for Your Word and all that it contains. We are thankful for both Your spoken Word, the Bible, and Your Living Word, Jesus Christ our Lord. Help us to meditate on You. Amen.

Go with God!