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)

Coram Deo – Reckon the Reward

Sin is a lack of faith.  It is short sightedness.  It is an affront against the goodness of God.  It is the choice to partake in the passing pleasures associated with this world above that which is eternal and infinitely more enjoyable in God.  Consider what is said of Moses in Hebrews as he is praised for his faith in the God who is a rewarder of those who seek Him, “Moses when he became of age refused to be called the son of Pharoah’s daughter, choosing rather o suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”

In this description we notice 4 things, not in any particular order:

1)  Sin is pleasurable.  The alternative for Moses were the “treasures of Egypt.”  What pleasures would have been available for the son of Pharoah’s daughter?  It was not a small thing for Moses to simply choose not to partake in these things.  They were treasures.  They were glorious.  He probably would have had any number of pleasurable things at his disposal.  And so for us, in our “Egypt.”  Though we are not sons of Pharoah’s daughter, we have so many “treasures” and “pleasures” available at our very finger tips.  It does the believer no good to attempt to deny the desirability of sin.  James says that temptation is temptation precisely because it caters to a desire within the person who is tempted. Sin is desirable, just as the fruit was desirable to the eyes of our first father and mother in the garden, such that they sinned against their God.

2)  Sin must be deal with. Sin cannot be ignored.  Temptation cannot be ignored.  And it cannot be fought.  A person cannot man-up and struggle their way through a temptation as to overcome it.  We are told, in Timothy to “flee” from immorality.  Peter told us to “abstain” from fleshly lusts because they wage war against our souls.  Abstain – hold back from, keep away from anything that pertains to the lusts of the flesh.  We must flee from it, we cannot simply ignore it.  The problem is that most of the time, that which tempts us is not the wife of Potipher.  In those situations, many of us who have the spirit of God would turn in run.  But it is often not those situations in which we find ourselves.  We find ourselves in situations where we have to make a thousand little choices every single day in order to flee.  And every one of those thousand little choices can either bring us closer to sin or closer to the Lord.  Perhaps you’ll never have to decide whether to stay in Egypt or not.  But each day you must sit in front of your desk at work and decide to waste time or be productive.  Each day you must sit at your computer and decide to spend time looking at worthless things or to spend you time wisely in the Lord.  Each moment you must decide to complain and gripe about a situation that is difficult for you or to accept it as the Lord’s will for this season.  Each moment you decide how to respond to an arrogant, ignorant, hostile or demanding person in your life, whether you will continue to pursue righteousness or respond to them in the flesh. The point is that fleeing is not often a one time event, but rather a conscious decision that must be made daily, yea even each moment of your day.

3)  Often association with God brings affliction. This is clear and obvious from the text in Hebrews as well as it says plainly that Moses’ choice was to suffer affliction with the people of God.  Paul said to Timothy that “all who desire to live godly will face persecution.”   And that in the greater context of 2 Timothy where affliction and hardship is a major theme that Paul sought to convey to Timothy.  The man of God will face persecution from those who are crooked and perverse in his generation.  It must happen.  This world is anti-God and anti-Christ.  Those who are called by His name will receive just what He received.  Turning from sin to serve God is not an easy thing.  It is not a turning to “your best life now.”  It is a turning from the pleasures of this world to the cross of Christ, and it is taking up our own cross and making that same journey of death with Him…though it is a death to eternal life. If it were not for the cross, the world would be flocking in droves to the call of Christ.  But that is not the case because the call of Christ, a crucified and slain Christ, is foolishness to them.

4)  That brings us to our last point.  Pursuing holiness leads to the reward. Holiness is the opposite of sin.  Sin seeks its own apart from God.  Holiness seeks the pleasure of God in doing what is pleasing to Him.  While sin’s reward of pleasure is indeed enjoyable for a moment it is in reality only an illusion.  The one who is deluded may find great pleasure in his psychotic episode.  He may run free with reckless abandon in a secluded wood.  He may spend endless hours feasting upon his favorite meal.  But when he awakens from his slumber his belly will still be empty.  And if he were in his  delusion for long, the hunger pains may well lead him to starve himself to death.  There is no true reward with sin.  Only the image of a reward and an empty belly.  The reward of God is a reward indeed.  It is the reward of a better country.  Though a spiritual reality, a reality indeed.  Though unseen, its substance is what yields eternal pleasure and everlasting joy.  The reward of God is as real and eternal as God Himself, for He is the reward.  And the Christ of God is the reward giver who gives to all who both believe God and believe that He does reward those who diligently seek Him.

Reckon the reward.  Know that no matter how scintillating or how pleasurable the sin may be, beneath its surface lies a whirlpool which drags its captive down to the abyss of death.  But beyond the treacherous roads of Holiness mountain lies greater reward.  “In His face is the fullness of joy and in His right hand are pleasures forevermore!”

Why do you love God?

If you love God, why?  Do you love Him because of what He does or because of who He is?  This is a very important distinction.  And it is most clearly seen in how we view adversity/trial/tragedy.

Moving beyond the initial shock and emotional pain caused by such things, those who merely love God for what He does will find it hard to continue to love Him when difficulty does strike.  And perhaps those people choose to express a love for God initially but as time goes on and the weight and effect of the difficulty/tragedy continues to take its toll; those who only love God for His benefits will soon buckle under the pressure.  Whether outwardly or inwardly they will go the way of Job’s first wife, choosing to “curse God and die.”  Of course the choice to curse God and die because of what happens is an admission that God exists; and is at least somewhat admirable.  Some go so far as to reject the very notion of God merely on the basis of such tragedies and difficulties that they endure.  And regardless of the reality that none of us really deserve good from God, we all still feel that He owes it to us.  And so when He doesn’t give it, we become bitter and angry.

However, for those who love God for who He is; no amount of tragedy or difficulty will change that love.  Because in all of it, we know that God never changes in His essential character.  He is always good.  He is always love.  His disposition to His godly ones is always grace and benevolence.  Knowing that He never changes, always, at all times, gives reason for those who truly love Him to praise Him and rejoice in Him.  Certainly pain comes.  Certainly disappointment comes.  Certainly we fail to understand His purpose and methods in some tragedy and adversity that we endure.  But we know that none of those things changes who He is.  He gives, and He takes away.  Blessed be His name.  This is the anchor of our soul.  This is star that guides our way in the bleakest of nights.  God is God.  He is not a man that He should change His disposition towards us for no good reason…or even for a reason that we think is good.  His disposition toward those who love Him, toward those who He has called according to His purpose, is always love.  And so long as He continues to be the “I am”; so shall His disposition be toward those who are His.

So, the question becomes, why do you love God?  I know that adversity/trial/tragedy will come in this life.  It may affect me in a more profound way than I had ever expected.  No one knows what tomorrow may hold.  But we do know, and we must trust that God will continue to be God.  And that as much change as we undergo, finite as our existence is, He will never change in His love for us.  Love Him for who He is, love Him as He is; and there you will find great reward.  Love Him merely for what He does for you, and even in what good He brings to you, you will never find true satisfaction.