Heavenly Devotion: Psalm 19 – The Glory of God in His Creation and His Word

Psalm 19 – The Glory of God in His Creation and in His Word

(Written by Daniel Wong)

Psalm 19 is one of the many Psalms set to music written by David, the Shepherd who becomes King. There are two halves to this Psalm, which speaks of a sovereign God who is pleased to reveal himself to humanity that they might have a relationship with him.

In verses 1-7, we see God revealing himself in creation. The heavens and skies show forth the glory of God and give us the knowledge of God. This is necessarily a partial knowledge but sufficient to point all who live upon the earth to the reality of a supreme creator and ruler. The warmth of the sun that rises in the east and setting in the west each day shows the wise and providential design of God.

In verses 8-14, we see God revealing himself in His perfect Word. This is variously described as the law, the statutes, the precepts, the commands, and the decrees of God. This precious Word does not simply fill our minds with knowledge about God but also transforms the person who fears God and seeks the approval of God.

In creation and the Word, we are drawn to a God – who is the Lord, our Rock, and our Redeemer. This truth is finally fulfilled in the person and work of Christ – who is both the creative and incarnate Word. 

In this difficult period of human history, let us take a few moments to look up to the heavens, the skies, and the sun – God’s marvelous handiwork. Let us contemplate the God who remains in control, who cares and continues to sustain us day by day. Let us continue to seek God’s refreshment, joy, and light in his Word. Let us ask God to forgive us and help us live according to his purpose by His Spirit, with all that we say with our mouths and what we consider in our hearts.

Let’s Read Psalm 19

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
    night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
    no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
    their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5     It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
    like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
    and makes its circuit to the other;
    nothing is deprived of its warmth.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right,
    giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
    than honey from the honeycomb.
11 By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
    may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless,
    innocent of great transgression.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
    be pleasing in your sight,
    Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Let’s Pray

Gracious God our Heavenly Father

We thank You that You have revealed Yourself to us in Your creation and in Your Word. We praise and glorify You for Your wonderful creation and sustenance of our world. We praise and glorify You for the perfection and joy of Your Word. 

We thank You for your final Word to us in the person of your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank You that we have been redeemed by His blood shed for us upon the cross at Calvary. We pray that you will help us to worship you acceptably with every area of our lives – even in our words and our thoughts. We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ, our precious Saviour. Amen.