Psalm 19
My daughter was incredulous when I should her a Youtube video of a disco song in the 70s that had lyrics from the last verse of today’s chapter. But I think I am getting ahead of myself… 🙂
Let’s read…
Bible Passage: Psalm 19
It’s quite hard to read today’s passage and not keep on thinking about hymns or songs that were inspired by the words in this Psalm 🙂
But this last Psalm that we are reading in January seems a perfect way to end our reading of Psalms this quarter. Do you see how God reveals Himself to us? This Psalm is an excellent one to memorise for reflection on God and how we can know Him.
First there is the general revelation of Himself through nature, which He created (Psalm 19:1-6).
I simply love the imagery the Psalmist used to described the handiwork of God and how the day and night are testimonies of God’s wonders. And the way the sun moves across the sky… like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber … or a champion running its race… (sadly… this wonderful images did not excite my daughter when I was trying to describe this … what about you?)
Then God also specially reveals Himself to us through His Word (Psalm 19:7-11).
Again, I liked how the Psalmist shows us this by saying…
“The law of the Lord is…”
“The testimony of the Lord is…”
“The statutes of the Lord is…”
“The commandment of the Lord is…”
“The fear of the Lord is…”
So many things to think about as we read His Word and see God for whom He really is.
Lastly, God is revealed in how He works in one’s own life (Psalm 19:12-14).
Do you know who wrote this Psalm? Yes, it is David. And when you read the last few verses, you can immediately think about events in the life of David that may have inspired David to write these words. And these words are also very much a reflection of my own thoughts and hope as well.
When I asked my daughter if she had any secret faults that her parents did not know about, she responded by saying “Of course… you also right?” And she was right. There are weaknesses and faults that I would not dare to admit … but God knows… and only He can forgive me of them.
But we have to also keep from committing the same sins over and over again.
Psalm 19 is typical of many psalms that look back and forth, up and down, outward and inward (very similar in vein to Psalm 139). David realised how much He needed God to have a fuller understanding of life.
Perhaps we too can learn from David and gain similar insight by using the structure of this Psalm to help us.
We first consider God’s glorious workings in the world and universe first.
Then we consider two aspects of Spiritual Nurture that we need to focus on:
- The Word of God – through Bible study/reading and prayer
- Confessions and prayers – to examine ourselves constantly, confess and repent of our sins and work to triumph over sin.
Then only in this way, will we be acceptable in His sight.
To end off today, do you know what song I was talking about from the 70s? It was “By the Rivers of Babylon” by Boney M 🙂 I think only if you are as old as me, you would know this song. Search Youtube for it and see… I simply love the part when the verse is sung.
There are other hymns that have lyrics taken from the verses in Psalm 19… but I just like to share this video of Hymn 528 – He’s Everything to Me…. cause that is what this Psalm 19 simply reminds me of ….
Blessed week ahead!