Saturday 10 February 2024

His works and Words

 Psalm 19:1–14 (ESV):  

1  The heavens declare the glory of God, 

and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 

2  Day to day pours out speech, 

and night to night reveals knowledge. 

3  There is no speech, nor are there words, 

whose voice is not heard. 

4  Their voice 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, 

5  which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, 

and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 

6  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. 

7  The law of the Lord is perfect, 

reviving the soul; 

the testimony of the Lord is sure, 

making wise the simple; 

8  the precepts of the Lord are right, 

rejoicing the heart; 

the commandment of the Lord is pure, 

enlightening the eyes; 

9  the fear of the Lord is clean, 

enduring forever; 

the rules 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. 

The glory of God is spoken by all of creation. Day and night. Throughout the world. No-one has an excuse to not have heard from God - if they simply look around, walk or breathe they can experience what God has spoken! The sky, day, night and even the heat of the sun, speak of the truth, power, authority, glory, understanding and strength of God. Do you hear God's voice through these things? The daily cycle, the beginnings and ends, all tell you something of God if you take time to consider them. No matter where you are or what you are doing you cannot hide from the revelation of God through nature. God has spoken the universe into being and He speaks through it to all mankind to display who He is. Are you listening to His voice through it?

After considering what creation tells him of God, David abruptly switches to speaking of the words of God within the Bible. Both the world and the Word carry the voice of God within them and demonstrate something of who God is. Creation can establish awe and wonder as we see God as a powerful creator and sustainer, yet this is not the full picture of who God is. If you just look at the works of an artist, you may get some idea of who they are, what they like or are passionate about, but the works will not reveal the fullness of their character. In order to understand the artist, you need to listen to their words as well as admire their works. The same is true of God - You can begin to appreciate something of who God is through nature as they are His works, but how much more can you understand if you also hear His Words?! 

You need the Word of God, the Bible, to deepen and widen your understanding of God. The Bible will  enlighten you as to who God is, and has great benefits for you. In this psalm David tells how the Scriptures; revive, refresh, increase knowledge and understanding, give joy, and enlighten. So if you need any of those things today, open your Bible and see how God will speak to you. The Word of God will show you how perfect, loving, strong and reliable God is. You will also discover more about His purity, everlasting nature, righteousness and His expectations and rules for your life. As you discover more about God, you will also find out more about yourself, and you will grow when you take onboard the revelation and instruction of God. You will become more satisfied as you discover the reality of life and treasure the fact that God has really spoken to you - through thousands of years and thousands of people. His words are written for your benefit, are you taking His words onboard and allowing them to influence your life? 

Considering both God’s power and sustenance through creation, and what the Bible teaches can; inspire, create awe and wonder, comfort, give security, joy, wisdom, truth, advice, instruction, warning and reward as well as revive and enlighten you. Do you need some of that today? As whatever it is you need, God can provide it for you, are you allowing Him to? 

By considering God's works and opening His Word you will receive great treasure, it will change your life.

 9  the fear of the Lord is clean, 

enduring forever; 

the rules 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. 

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