God’s Glory in Creation: Psalm 19–By Dean Marini
I was reading a social media post the other day where the writer was describing how they start every day outdoors in prayer. For them, this time spent with God in nature was drawing them closer to Him. I, too, have experienced this. And to this day, I simply cannot understand how anyone can take the beauty of our world in … and yet still deny its Creator. In similar context, King David once wrote in Psalm 19 that the beauty we experience in nature cries out in testimony and praise of our Creator the Lord.
As you read this powerful psalm, let it speak to your soul about how to praise and draw near to our Lord through the Creation He has given to us … not only to enjoy, but to communicate with Him.
Psalm 19:2-4
2 The Heavens declare the glory of God;
the firmament proclaims the works of His hands.
3 Day unto day pours forth speech;
night unto night whispers knowledge.
4 There is no speech, no words;
their voice is not heard;
Several years ago, I had the privilege of visiting the Navaho Code Talkers Memorial at Window Rock, Arizona. As a Marine, it was a humbling experience; an honor to remember these amazing Americans. The 12 foot high statue sits in the midst of a beautiful rock formation that includes the “window rock.” There is a hole in the rock above the statue that, at the right time of day, allows the sun to shine through it and fall on the statue.
While the statue may have been placed there by man, the window in the rock was not. Serving as a Marine has allowed me the opportunity to operate in a wide variety of environments. I saw firsthand God’s mighty creative hand in thick, lush forests, the stark beauty of the desert, the purity of a snow field … and I’ve felt His Majesty as I stood in awe of the incredible night sky in Norway. I can relate to what David expresses in this Psalm. While nature may not use spoken words, its beauty speaks volumes.
Psalm 19:5-6
5 A report goes forth through all the earth,
their messages, to the ends of the world.
He has pitched in them a tent for the sun;
6 it comes forth like a bridegroom from His canopy,
and like a hero joyfully runs its course.
Even the sun bears witness to God’s divine wisdom and power. Its light and warmth provide us with what we need to sustain life, but even our life-sustaining sun pales in comparison to the Light of His Son.
Psalm 19:7-11
7 From one end of the Heavens it comes forth;
its course runs through to the other;
nothing escapes its heat.
8 The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.
The decree of the Lord is trustworthy,
giving wisdom to the simple.
9 The precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear,
enlightening the eye.
10 The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever.
The statutes of the Lord are true,
all of them just;
11 More desirable than gold,
than a hoard of purest gold,
Sweeter also than honey
or drippings from the comb.
For many people, the choice to deny the existence of God is a way to avoid His Law and the obedience of it. If there is no Creator, then man can be the highest form of creation and hold his own authority. But King David teaches us that God’s Law is for our benefit; His principles are founded from the deepest desire to have a relationship with and care for us — the people He created. And because He has created us, He knows how things work and what needs to be done. Therefore, His Laws teach us how to live in the world and to live in it up to our fullest potential. Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life, and might have [it more] abundantly” (Jn 10:10). Following God’s Law allows us to do just that.
Psalm 19:12-14
12 By them Your servant is warned;
obeying them brings much reward.
13 Who can detect trespasses?
Cleanse me from my inadvertent sins.
14 Also from arrogant ones restrain Your servant;
let them never control me.
Then shall I be blameless,
innocent of grave sin.
Take time to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation today. Listen to its powerful testimony about our Creator. While you do, allow the love that the Lord has poured into our spiritual and physical nature to fully embrace you and your life. Furthermore, allow His Law to become a source of comfort and security for you. As you prayerfully meditate on the words of this Psalm, draw closer to the One Who knew you before you were born.
Written by Dean Marini
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