Today’s psalm is another one that King David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, wrote. There are three parts to this relatively short psalm. The first is how God reveals Himself to us in nature (vs. 1-6). The second part is how God reveals Himself through His Word, the Bible (vs 7-11). The final part is how God reveals Himself through daily experiences (vs. 12-14). In nature we see God’s power and our finiteness. In Scripture we see God’s holiness and our sinfulness. We also learn about God through His forgiveness and salvation.
As a youth, David spent many days and nights watching over his father’s flocks of sheep. Then as a young man he spent many years in the wilderness around Israel fleeing from the murderous anger of King Saul. In both instances he would have slept out under the stars. Many evenings he looked up at the vastness and beauty of the heavens, and praised God in awe and wonder at His creation. David would also have seen the glories of creation throughout the day - the beauty of the meadows the sheep grazed in, the forests and deserts he hid in from Saul, the sun rise and sunset each day. In many of his psalms he speaks of God’s work in creation, as he did here (vs 1-6). As we look out at the universe, it is impossible to not know that a great God created all of this. It didn’t just happen. The creation shows God’s power, love, and care. The design of the universe, its intricacy and orderliness, point to an involved and loving Creator. How can one not believe?
The Apostle Paul was referencing this psalm when he said that no one had an excuse for not believing in the one true God, Yahweh. He has given proof of His existence through all of creation (Romans 1:19-20). Why do people resist God’s testimony and revelation through nature? Nature points to the existence of God.
The psalm now changes gear as David tells of the second way in which God reveals Himself to mankind, and that is through His Word (vs. 7-11). The Bible is God’s revealed Word, and tells us about salvation. Each of the verses, from verse 7 through 9, contain a synonym for the Bible. Many people think that the Bible is just a book of “do this” and “don’t do that”, preventing us from having any enjoyment in life. However, David did not think so. The Bible doesn’t prevent enjoyment. It does help us to avoid sin, and to enjoy fellowship with God. It encourages us in a way that is good for us. Sin may seem enjoyable for a short season, but soon it takes a nasty toll. Just as we try to keep our children from anything that would harm them, so too does God wish that for us, His children, and He has given His Word to instruct us.
The Scriptures are not a chain to bind us, but rather a light for our path. God’s Word brings us the message of salvation. It will give us true, godly wisdom for our life (vs. 7). When we are down, it alone can bring us true joy. It gives us enlightenment, as it is pure and true (vs. 8). The Scriptures also warn us of danger to both our body and our soul (vs. 11). Most people, if they are smart, take heed to warning signs and instructions. They read and carefully observe them, rather than casting them aside with scorn. The Bible is just such an instruction to us. God’s Word is also eternal, enduring forever (vs. 9). Over the ages many have tried to destroy or discredit it, but they have all failed. The Bible is still here.
In verse 10 we read how David compared God’s Word to that of honey. Honey is natural, not manufactured by man. It is nutritious and naturally sweet. It has a number of healing qualities, such as being a natural antibiotic, brings relief to coughs, and can help in healing of wounds and burns. Honey has also been used in beauty products, as it is a natural moisturizer, and good for the skin. God’s Word is also nutritious and sweet for our souls. It brings us healing, and makes us beautiful people, as well.
God will also use the normal guilt we feel over our sins to lead us to Christ (vs. 12-13). He has promised that if we confess our sins He will forgive them (I John 1:9). David asks God to approve of his words and thoughts (vs. 14), which we should do, as well, praying that His love will guide all we say and think.
In closing, this psalm has shown that all of mankind stands accountable to God, because we have both His verbal communication to us in the Bible, and also His non-verbal communication through nature. As Paul said, when we stand before God, there will be no excuse for not having accepted Him.
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