Daily Devotion, October 4, 2023

 

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Psalm 19.

This psalm is timeless. For this autumn day in Chattanooga, the sunrise will be at 7:38 a.m. and the sunset will be at 7:21 p.m. We, too, can echo the psalm-writer’s joy from thousands of years ago in observing God’s marvelous creation! The heavens and skies still proclaim the glory and handiwork of God!

I have loved this psalm since childhood, as verse 14 would often be our prayer before mealtimes. The entirety of this psalm is so deep that it speaks to us in every stage of life and grace. As each sunrise and sunset is new and different, God can lead us to new understandings each time we read this psalm!

With this reading, I noticed the irony of the thread about “words” which runs throughout these verses. In verses 1-6, the heavens and skies declare the glory of God to every corner of the earth, even without “words”.

In verses 7-10, the “words” which God has given through the law and instructions are described as more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. These words from God are perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, and sure. The gifts of these words revive the soul, make wise the simple, give joy to the heart, give light to the eyes, endure forever and are altogether righteous! Both the Creation and the Scriptures speak to who God is and seek to draw everyone to God.

Then in verses 11-14 the Psalm-writer moves us, the readers, to the relationship and “words” we offer unto God. We, the readers, are moved from acknowledging the greatness of God to this humble psalm-writer’s plea for God’s forgiveness and request for his simple- “word” prayers to be pleasing in God’s sight. The concluding words declare that this God who has created everything cares enough to be the psalm-writer’s “Rock and Redeemer”. There is a family-like kinship in the Psalmist’s words, “my Rock and my Redeemer”.

Personal Worship Option:

Take some time today to observe God’s handiwork in the heavens and the skies. Perhaps the trees are also beginning to show God’s handiwork! This God who has created the sun, moon, stars and autumn trees cares about you, too. Beyond that God loves you! God is great enough to be your Rock and your Redeemer throughout your lifetime and to hear every prayer you pray.