Psalms 19:7-14 (NRSV)
Read Psalms 19:7-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
Verse 8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
Verse 9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Verse 10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Verse 11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Verse 12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Verse 13Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
Verse 14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Devotion
The psalmist in verses 1-6 is inspired by God’s creative gift of the firmament and the laws of nature—the assurance that the sun comes out on a regular basis. In today’s reading, the psalmist praises God for laws that give loving boundaries to live a meaningful life. When we praise God and live within those boundaries, we can know the reward of living a fuller life with meaning and purpose.
As Christians, we too marvel at God’s creation and with the gift of science we have an even deeper understanding of how complicated and creative our God is. We marvel at God’s law that gives us boundaries. However, we also know it convicts us and keeps us humble, and, when these boundaries are misused, we can fall into self-righteous pride. We marvel at his Son, who showed us the power of forgiveness and committed love, and gave us a new and broader understanding of love and care for our neighbors.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for the gift of awe and wonder as we see it in the order of your creation and your law that seeks to be good and fair. Thank you also for the forgiveness and love you have expressed to us in Jesus Christ. Amen.