The Happy Path – Psalm 19

A text – Psalm 19

¹ The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
² Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
³ There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
⁴ yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world.

⁵In 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.
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.

⁷ The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
⁸ the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
⁹ the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
¹⁰ More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.

¹¹ Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
¹² But who can detect one’s own errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
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.

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:

This psalm comes up a couple of times in the year as the chosen psalm for the week. So if it seems familiar, that may be one reason. David, its writer, sees the universe filled with God pouring out beauty and righteousness, reminders that as all of creation communes with its Creator, so we too are connected to and loved by our Creator. Then David praises the law of the Lord, God’s vision of what it means to stay in right relationship with God the Creator and also with our neighbors – fellow creations like human beings and animals and forests – and that when we live within this law, life is sweet. David also notes that it is impossible for us to notice when we are setting foot outside the law – beginning to stray – so he asks God to keep him from hidden faults and folks who would pull him off his happy path under the law.

Have you ever tried to make it along a disciplined solid path toward a goal? A fitness regimen or a weight watching program, for example? It is mighty easy to stray. When we have the goal before us, it is easier to stick with the practices that will get us there. David understands this. Perhaps he began each day reciting something like this psalm until its praise of creation and Creator became phrases he could repeat in times of temptation. Maybe that’s what we need – a solid phrase to repeat when we lean astray, either through misdeeds or poor choices, or even through dismay and despair. What are the words that cheer you and keep your eyes on the prize? The beginning of the Jewish shema prayer might be a good choice: “Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe.” Perhaps we should say it aloud. It may help us to remember whose we are, and who has our back, and who loves us.

A prayer:

Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for being always present in our lives, and for giving us your laws and your love to protect us. Help us to remember those things when we are tempted to step away from your love and goodness. Amen.