Psalm 19 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 19 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Verse 2Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
Verse 3There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
Verse 4yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
Verse 5which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Verse 6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
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
In this sometimes chaotic world where do we encounter the presence of God? Psalm 19 says that we can experience God’s presence in two key ways: in God’s creation (vs. 1-6), and in the spoken word of God’s precepts (vs. 7-12).
Creation is God’s voice saying I am in control. As we watch the sun cross the sky day in and out God is saying, “I bring order to the world and to your life.” Creation shouts, “Open your eyes and look, you will find me. Each day is a new day to experience the presence of God.”
God speaks to us also through the written word, “more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey.” The word of God instructs us in the way to live, revives us when we are drained. The word is where we find true joy and life.
Today may see God in the creation and hear God speak through the word.
Prayer
Creator God you are above, below, around, and within us. May we be open today to your presence that is all around us. May we pause and breathe in your presence. For you alone are God. Amen.