Psalm 19:1-9 The Law of the Lord is Perfect
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 [reverent] fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
and all of them are righteous.
Both creation itself and God’s Law make God’s existence (and power) known to the world. The very knowledge of how great and unfathomable God is turns the psalmist to a state of self-examination and devout prayer. Because of its praise of the Law, Psalm 19 (along with 1 and 119) have been called Torah psalms.
The opening stanza of this psalm announces that Heaven itself (along with the rest of creation) relentlessly proclaim the work and glory of our Lord. The great (and vast) wonders of creation function together as one big harmonious voice for all mankind to witness (v. 1-6). The sun is seen as the most astonishing example of God’s creative work. How it stays reliably (and unexplainably) in its perfect course; the miracle behind its life-sustaining power and heat for all creation big and small alike.
The psalmist praises the perfection and truth of not only God’s creation, but His Law and instruction as well — the primary way in which God makes Himself and His ways known to us. In this psalm, all of creation and the divine Law points solely to God, which unites two seemingly totally different things together. Creation has no audible voice, so its beauty and regularity imply the Creator; but the Law is clearly written, enlightening all the senses.
The magnificence of the Creator and His creation humbled the psalmist to a state of humble pleas of mercy, worship, and prayer. Today, take a moment to marvel at your Creator. Reflect on how amazing your God is. How very much He loves you – the apple of His eye – created for Himself and in His image. As you spend time with Him standing amidst His creation, listen for His voice. Through the wind and the rain, He will speak to you.
“Lord, as I look around at your incredible creation today, unencumbered by the world and its troubles, I too am brought to a state of worship, praise, and prayer. Thank You for giving me the gift of life – to witness your splendor and glory hear on earth. Help me to stay focused on You and Your Word all the days of my life. Amen.”
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