A Matter of Perspective
Opening Prayer
To be lost in wonder is an essential part of worship. Find an image of creation and praise its Maker.
Read Psalm 19:1-14
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] For the director of music. A psalm of David. 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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What do you learn here about God's Word?Even though I knew about the Northern Lights, I had never actually seen them. Technically called aurora borealis, it’s a natural light display caused by the collision of charged particles directed by the Earth’s magnetic field. For some reason these particles avoided me, until my night flight from Canada passed over northern latitudes and the sky performed the most amazing light show ever. Note the lyrics of David’s song. Maybe a similar creation-revealing sensation had just happened to him. He speaks words of wonder and adoration extolling the virtues of the glorious nature of God. His eyes had captured a glimpse of the greatness of God and David was humbled in the presence of one so grand (12-14). It’s amazing what a bit of perspective can do. The psalmist now moves to consider God’s ways and words. He states that following the commands and guidelines from God is easily the best way to live (10). How foolish to consider other options, and yet in moments of error there is forgiveness. Aware of his own failings, David asks for help and reaffirms his overwhelming desire to live a life that pleases God (14).
Apply
What is your overwhelming desire? Write it down where you can keep it and ask God to help you achieve it.
Closing prayer
Gracious Lord, I pray that David’s desire might be mine and that I will treasure Your Word, as he did.
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