We Rely on God – Psalm 19:1-14

A text – Psalm 19:1-14

19:1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
19:2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
19:3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
19:4 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,
19:5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
19:6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
19:8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
19:9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
19:10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
19:11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
19:12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
19:13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

A reflection:

Psalm 19 is beautiful, with many poetic images. It is about the beauty of the word and the teachings of the Lord. The heavens themselves teach us. The sun is compared to a bridegroom. The instruction of the Lord is more desirable than gold and also more desirable than honey.

The psalmist wants to do right by what God has taught him, and so he prays that these beautiful teachings of God make him wise, that he not be drawn into temptation or transgression, and that whatever he does or says or even thinks will be acceptable to God.

It is a psalm of praise to the Lord, and of a deep desire to be somehow worthy of God’s approval.

It is so easy for us, even when we study the Bible, to seek the “right” answer and to settle on something that lets us off the hook for further consideration. If we could just “get it right,” then we could relax and be ourselves and not work so hard to perform up to expectations. But there will never come a time when we do not make mistakes, or accidentally trip up, or fail to do something we are supposed to do.

Well, get over it. It isn’t about what we do. Faith is knowing that, however we perform or behave, whatever we miss, God makes it right. Wherever we fail, God fills in the blank. The most we can do is pray the prayer in verse 14 of this psalm: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Remember that, no matter how accomplished you are, you’ll never be perfect, and you must rely on God to supply what is needed. Which God always does. Because God promises to do so. Always. Every day. Because God loves us that much. And God is so big and so good.

A prayer:

Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for giving us your teachings, more valuable than gold and more desirable than honey. Help us to delight in your gifts and live in such a way as to appreciate your gifts, realize our own failings, and accept your help and support. You are our heavenly Father and we are your beloved children..   Amen.