January 27, 2009

The gifted communicator

Psalm 19

Jen Farrell
Tuesday's Devo

January 27, 2009

Tuesday's Devo

January 27, 2009

Central Truth

David’s response is indicative of a man who feels protected and who trusts and adores God. In declaring God's attributes, David models what an intimate relationship with God looks like.

Key Verse | Psalm 19:14

May my words and my thoughts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my sheltering rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

Psalm 19

The Law of the LORD Is Perfect

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

The heavens declare the glory of God,
    and the sky above 1 19:1 Hebrew the expanse; compare Genesis 1:68 proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours out speech,
    and night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words,
    whose voice is not heard.
Their voice 2 19:4 Or Their measuring line goes out through all the earth,
    and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
    which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
    and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
    and its circuit to the end of them,
    and there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect, 3 19:7 Or blameless
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
    making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
    enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
    enduring forever;
the rules 4 19:9 Or just decrees of the LORD are true,
    and righteous altogether.
10  More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.
11  Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.

12  Who can discern his errors?
    Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13  Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
    let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
    and innocent of great transgression.

14  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Footnotes

[1] 19:1 Hebrew the expanse; compare Genesis 1:6–8
[2] 19:4 Or Their measuring line
[3] 19:7 Or blameless
[4] 19:9 Or just decrees

Dive Deeper | Psalm 19

I can sit outside for hours and marvel at the trees, hear the wind or sound of water, survey the sky, and be completely at peace. I treasure sitting in our backyard and listening to praise songs on my iPod. It’s one of the ways I feel most connected to God, and I honestly don’t spend enough time there. When I read this psalm, it made me think of how much David admires the One he is praising. David knows Him intimately as a close friend or mentor, someone who is dear to David. And he believes that God has his best interests at heart.
God wants to communicate with me. He knows my love language and that there’s more than one. Verse 1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God.” He uses nature and that helps me recognize who God is and how He is in control. As verse 4 (NLT) notes: “The sun lives in the heavens where God placed it.” God also uses His word to tell me how He cares about me. Verses 7-9 describe God's commandments as trustworthy, fair, and giving wisdom for life. His commandments are there to protect me. They give life, revive the soul, and bring joy to the heart.
My response is to praise Him. Music is one way that I can express praise to God, and it is also something He uses to connect with me. I grew up singing hymns in church. Although I didn’t appreciate them then, now some 20 years later, I can still remember the words that communicate God’s truths in a way that connects with my heart. It’s much easier to remember Psalm 19:14 when singing along with Shane and Shane.  I can hum a tune and meditate on those words and the truth in them all day. I think David was on to something. I am thankful for the reminder that God is our rock and redeemer, that He knows my history and still loves me unconditionally, and that He is someone I can cry and rejoice with as I am completely known.

Discussion Questions

1. When do you feel most connected to God?

2. What forms of communication does God use to speak to you? 

3. Think of someone you admire, trust, and believe wants the best for you. Do you tend to think of God as your No. 1 supporter?