Our Witnesses To God's Glory

Psalm 19

Our Scripture passage for today is a psalm of King David, and is a familiar one for many.  God has given mankind two types of witness that speak to us of His glory, majesty, and power - His Word and creation.  David speaks of both of these in this psalm of praise.

In the first half of our psalm, verses 1-6, we read how God reveals Himself through nature.  David specifically mentions the heavens, such as outer space and the universe. I live in a heavily lit, large, metropolitan area, and the night sky of stars can’t really be seen well. When I have a chance, though, and am out in the rural countryside, I try to get out and see the stars and planets in the sky. Photos from space show us spectacular close-ups of the planets, stars, and other galaxies across the universe.  All of this speaks of God’s glory, and His mighty creative hand (vs. 1). They give evidence of His existence, His power, love and care. The universe’s design and orderliness totally point to an involved, personal Creator. Nothing in the universe happened by chance.

King David also points out that the universe is visible for all to see (vs. 2-4).  It is not hidden, and neither is anything else in creation. They don’t have a verbal voice, but they speak of the Creator-God just as clearly as if they did.  David uses a little poetic license and describes the sun like a young man running a race, following a path across the sky, from the east to the west. It does not change or alter its course, and all can see it.  Mankind is without any excuse, as all of nature points to God (Romans 1:19-20).

Next King David shifts gears and now focuses on the witness of the Word of God (vs. 7-11).  Through Scripture we learn about God’s holiness and our sinfulness. Nature shows God’s existence, and His Word shows us His salvation.  God’s Word helps us avoid sin and have fellowship with Him. David gives testimony and witness of what a treasure the Scriptures are. The Bible is perfect and will turn us back to God.  It is sure, steadfast and trustworthy, and by studying it we can gain wisdom (vs. 7). He goes on to say that the Bible is right, it is correct and it will rejoice and gladden our lives. His Words are pure, without any taint, and give us enlightenment (vs. 8).  Studying God’s Word will lead us to a proper reverence and respect of Him, and His Word is truth and is just (vs. 9).

If asked which is more valuable, a stack of pure gold or the Bible, which would you choose?  Many would choose the gold, but that would be the wrong choice, as David points out. He had both, and knew firsthand how much more important the Bible was (vs. 10).  He also compares God’s Word with honey. Honey is one of the most naturally sweet foods. It is sweeter than sugar, and has vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, so it’s healthier than sugar.  It is also sometimes an ingredient in skin and beauty products. Honey is also often used in treating colds and sore throats. God’s Word is also healing, spiritually nutritious, sweet, and when applied to our life can make us beautiful.

In the final segment of this psalm David speaks about God’s forgiveness and our salvation (vs. 12-13).  Even after we’ve given our lives to the Savior, there are still times we fall into sin, both unintentional sins, and the deliberate and presumptuous ones. David deals with his sins, and doesn’t deny them, and to remain in a good, clear relationship with God, we need to, as well. As verse 13 warns, we need to keep back from sin.  Parents often warn their little children to keep back from something dangerous, like the edge of a platform or hole. David warns the same - don’t get too close to the edge. How many have thought that it was okay to get right up to the edge of something sinful, and then slipped in?  It is always best to keep back.

King David ends this psalm with a prayer (vs. 14).  This is a prayer that we be more and more pleasing to God.  The words and thoughts that we say and think should always be pleasing to God.