Psalm 19 – 150 Days of Purposeful Meditation (Day 19) Part 2

I went outside this morning to uncover my tomato plants in light of a potential freeze from last night and was again reminded of how absolutely crucial the Sun is for life on earth. It was quite delightful to stand in its rays as I went out this morning, a slight chill in the air cut by the warmth of the Sun. My tomatoes made it and I was equally encouraged at the brilliance of the Sun this morning, knowing that they would get what they needed to warm from last nights chill. The Sun’s rays emit energy, light and warmth that all life on earth needs to grow and persist. And yet, as this Psalm tells us, the testimony of the Sun is not its own greatness but rather the greatness of the One who made it. Consider the stars…

The glory of God is our greatest good. Again, more precisely, the glory of God shining forth through us is our greatest good. In this Psalm, David prays “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (v 14). That is his prayer, that is his desire and it ought to be instructive for us.

The truth of this Psalm is that as the Sun gives life to all life on planet earth, so the Word of God gives life to every part of man. And as the Sun preserves life on planet earth, so the Word of God preserves the life of man. Thus we ought to desire to spew forth His glory, even as the Sun. We ought to desire that the redemptive work of God be so evident in our lives that “the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in His sight.” Is that your desire? Is that your prayer?

Picking up in v 7, David transitions from the imagery to instruction. The Sun pours forth speech, a declaration that the God who made the Sun is glorious indeed! So should we. But how? How can we shine forth the glory of God as the Sun? I’ll ask the question another way. How does God exert His life giving influence on us as humanity in the same way that the Sun exerts its life giving influence on the earth? The answer, His Word.

There are multiple terms here used to describe the Word of God, the “law of the LORD“, the “testimony of the LORD“, the “precepts of the LORD“, the “commandment of the LORD“, the “fear of the LORD“, the “rules of the LORD“. It is not necessary to parse each term, they are being used synonymously to point to His Word, His revelation, His truth.

In vs 7-8, each term for the Word of God is paired with an effect. The Word of God is the cause and it has an effect on the soul of man. These are the redeeming qualities of the Word. It, the Word of God “revives the soul“, “makes wise the simple“, “rejoices the heart“, “enlightens the eyes“. Its effect is incalculable to the soul. Since these are in parallel format within each poetic line, we have to view them as communicating the same thing within the line. That it revives the soul and makes wise the simple indicates the commendation of wisdom. The Word of God gives wisdom where there was none. Wisdom is one of the most treasured possessions of the soul. Life is gained by wisdom and death by folly. Blessing is gained by wisdom and judgment by folly. That God would commend wisdom to the “simple”, that He would give life to a soul in that way is a greater treasure than silver or gold. Moreover these truths “rejoice the heart and enlighten the eyes.” As the soul encounters numerous troubles, the Word of God is here pictured as that which brings joy. The eye is made dim by worry, burden, stress, the cares of this world. And yet the Word of God is that which – again – brings life to the soul! It enlightens the eye! Do you seek the Word of God for the wisdom that you need for life and in the face of life’s worries?

In v 9, the Word of God is further described as “is clean, enduring forever“, and as “true and righteous altogether“. The effects previously described are enduring in and of themselves and ever available. They will not perish. These redeeming qualities are enduring qualities. These redeeming qualities are true and righteous qualities. They will not fade, they will not tarnish, they cannot be marred or ruined by sin. They are, in the words of Peter as he looks forward to our eternal inheritance “imperishable, undefiled and will not fade away“. The Word of God is ever present and ever potent to redeem our weary souls!

Therefore David concludes, His Word, His truth ought to be our greatest pursuit! If we are to reflect the glory of God as the Sun does in His creation, if we are live for His glory then we should pursue the Word of God as that which gives and sustains a life that brings glory to God! “More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” We ought to pursue the Word more than all earthly, physical treasure. We ought to pursue the Word more than all earthly, physical pleasure (food, passions, etc.). Paul illustrates this kind of pursuit in Philippians 3.

Because by them “your servant is warned, in keeping them is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me…” As we seek the Word of God, as the redemptive qualities of the Word of God have their effect in our lives, as their warmth envelopes every aspect of our souls, we are “warned” concerning sin. Though we sometimes ignore the speed limit signs, if those speed limit signs were not present we would not know if we were in danger of “driving recklessly” and incurring the wrath of the authorities. Yes? Many scoff at the Word of God as restrictive and oppressive. Yet the LORD has given His Word in mercy as a warning to us. It warns us when we are getting to close to the fires of His judgment. If He did not love His creation, He could just let us persist in unrestricted disobedience. Yet He does provide His Word as a warning. This far and no farther. And we ignore at our own peril. Yet David envisions the Word of God here as that speed limit, that warning sign.

Moreover he says “keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me.” Let Your Word have its redemptive effect. In other words, he doesn’t merely want to be a hearer of the Word but also a doer. He wants the Word of God to so penetrate his heart, to have its warming, redeeming effect so that it “keeps him back” from presumptuous sins and prevents them from “having dominion” over him. Do you desire for that to be true of you? Do you struggle with any sin? Would you want to be warned/alerted to coming danger, to sin that is crouching at the door of your heart? Would you want to be able to gain victory over any sin that particularly tempts you and potentially lays hold of your soul? The answer is found in the Word of God. When David says “in keeping them there is great reward“, this is what he means. In the Word of God, the reward is its redeeming effect on your soul. And as you are changed by its effects, v 13b “then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression” the glory of God is able to shine forth through you!

As we come to a close on this Psalm, the question again is how? How does the glory of God shine forth through men? “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD my rock and my redeemer” (v 14). The glory of God shines forth through us, as we take up the mantle of “declaring the glory of God.” As we, like the Sun “pour forth speech” which brings glory to God. Our words reveal our hearts. Our heart is the innermost being, the core of who we are and that is most often revealed when we open our mouths. Some people are very careful with what they speak and how they speak. Some are particularly guarded while others let anything fly out that they think of. No matter what kind of person you are in that respect, sooner or later your heart will be revealed by your words. What will it say about you? What will it say about your God? All of the good works in the world will not erase poor and debased speech.

This gets to the heart (no pun intended) of another principle in this Psalm. That is the fact that God looks deeper than the external. If He is so inclined to care for the physical needs of His creation by means of a ball of gas burning millions/billions of miles away; certainly He would care for our spiritual, soul needs. He knows that we are more than the physical. He knows that our flaws run deep, soul deep. He, more than anyone else is acutely aware of the wickedness of the soul affected by sin. The wickedness that no one else knows about, the hidden thoughts that we keep to ourselves that would drive even our closest loved ones away. Those skeleton in the closet heart meditations that no one sees but us and God. He sees all, He knows all. David acknowledges this. And he so earnestly desires to have that part of him cleansed. And he knows that just as God has provided for our physical lives by the life giving warmth of the Sun, so He has provided for our spiritual lives by the life giving, redemptive warmth of His Word.

Thus, he prays. “let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” Do you pray thus? Do you seek the Word of God, for the treasure that it is, so that the redemptive effects of His Word would have its way on your heart?

Do you desire for the glory of God to shine forth through you? Then let this be your desire, let this be your prayer, that nothing in your soul would be hidden from the heat of His Word.

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Phil. 4:8 ESV)

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
(1 Pet. 1:3-5 ESV)

2 Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation–3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (1 Pet. 2:2-3 ESV)

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the LORD knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
(Ps. 1:1-6 ESV)

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ (Phil. 3:8 ESV)

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Phil. 3:17-21 ESV)

22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. (Jas. 1:22-25 ESV)

2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water. 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. (Jas. 3:2-13 ESV)

Psalm 19 – 150 Days of Purposeful Meditation (Day 19) Part 1

The glory of God is our greatest good! More precisely, the glory of God shining forth through us is our greatest good. In this Psalm, David prays “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (v 14).

In Psalm 18, I asked the question, what does our soul need more than God? Here David answers the same but expands his answer. What does our soul need more than the glory of God? And much more what should the soul crave more than the glory of God? The message of this Psalm is that when the soul is affected by the glory of God and thus redeemed, it becomes both the repository and reflector of the glory of God. The redeemed soul then particularly pours forth speech from a heart filled with the glory of God unto the glory of God.

In typical Hebrew Poetic fashion, David provides us with an analogy from nature to illustrate his point. “The heavens declare the glory of God and the sky above proclaims His handiwork” (v 1). That is a bold statement but is well attested to in other passages of scripture (most notably Psalm 119, Romans 1). The heavens declare the glory of God. But how? “Day to day…night to night” both “pour forth speech…[and] reveal knowledge” (v 2). He acknowledges that they do not use actual words or voice but that what they communicate is spread “through all the earth…to the ends of the world” (v 3-4a). But again, how? How does the heavens do this kind of communicating? How is it essentially gushing forth the declaration of the glory of God?

“In them He has set a tent for the sun…” (v 4b). Here we come to the crux of the analogy. The thing in the heavens that most perfectly declares the effect (I’ll explain) of the glory of God is the Sun. Immediately we should all understand where he is going. But again, how? Think about it, David says, the Sun “comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber…and like a strongman running its course with joy“…”its rising is from the ends of the heavens and its circuit to the end of them” (vs 5-6). How does it reach the whole earth with its communication? The point should be clear, as he says in v 6 “there is nothing hidden from its heat” (v 6).

How then do the heavens “declare the glory of God…and proclaim His handiwork?” There is a song that I have been listening to frequently by the Getty’s, “Consider the Stars“. It is a beautiful song that I believe is referencing Isaiah 40:26 though I cannot help but to think of it now. Consider how the Sun has such a tremendous influence on all of life on planet earth. In reality there would be no life on earth, earth would not be suitable for life without the effects of the Sun. Moreover life on earth would not continue without the ever present embrace of the Sun.

Do you consider how important the Sun is for life on earth? This is not a lesson in astronomy, nor is it intended to stoke that wicked human tendency to worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator. But rather it is intended to point your thoughts in the direction that David intended. The heavens that were created by the hand of God were made in such a way to tell us something about His glory. He built into His creation, His handiwork, a signature or watermark that tells both that He is God and that He is good. And that as the good Creator God that He is, He provides life and sustains life as no other. We absolutely need and should crave His creating/sustaining power daily for life. Creation pours forth the message of His glory in a way that nothing else can!

If the created order, the stars in the heavens and particularly out of those stars, our Sun can give glory to God, shouldn’t we? Shouldn’t we earnestly desire to bear and reflect His glory? Consider the stars beloved. May we, like them, seek to live our lives for His glory! Unlike the stars, we out of all of God’s creation have lips to praise God for His creative wisdom! We have lips to praise God for His creative provision! And as we shall see in the second part of this Psalm, we have lips to also praise God that He didn’t leave us with just a general message of His glorious-ness. But much more, through His Word, He makes it possible for us to partake in His glory through the beauty of redemption.

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. (Rom. 1:18-20 ESV)

25 To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might, and because he is strong in power not one is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God”? 28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. 29 He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. 30 Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (Isa. 40:25-31 ESV)

3 When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? (Ps. 8:3-4 ESV)

How blessed are the people…

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. How blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! O Lord , they walk in the light of Your countenance.
PSALMS 89:14‭-‬15 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.89.14-15.NASB

There is no other

“Declare and set forth your case; Indeed, let them consult together. Who has announced this from of old? Who has long since declared it? Is it not I, the Lord ? And there is no other God besides Me, A righteous God and a Savior; There is none except Me. “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. “I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. “They will say of Me, ‘Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.’ Men will come to Him, And all who were angry at Him will be put to shame.
ISAIAH 45:21‭-‬24 NASB
http://bible.com/100/isa.45.21-24.NASB

Hope continually

But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And of Your salvation all day long; For I do not know the sum of them. I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord G od ; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.
PSALMS 71:14‭-‬16 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.71.14-16.NASB

Rights vs duty

I wonder if those believers who are so free with their tongue and opinions about our governing authorities simply because it is their “right” by constitution have considered the document that has greater governing authority than the constitution when it says:

“Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.” (Rom. 13:7 ESV)

AND

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” (Tit. 3:1-3 ESV).

#NOTASERMONJUSTATHOUGHT

To whom shall we go?

Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”
John 6:68‭-‬69 NASB
http://bible.com/100/jhn.6.68-69.NASB

The God of gods and Lord of lords…

For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of Lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.
Deuteronomy 10:17 NASB
http://bible.com/100/deu.10.17.NASB

My strength

O my strength, I will sing praises to You; For God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.
Psalms 59:17 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.59.17.NASB

Wait for the Lord!

Our soul waits for the Lord ; He is our help and our shield. For our heart rejoices in Him, Because we trust in His holy name. Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord , be upon us, According as we have hoped in You.
Psalms 33:20‭-‬22 NASB
http://bible.com/100/psa.33.20-22.NASB