Take time…
Opening Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your Word, a treasure greater than anything this world has to offer.
Read PSALM 19:1–14
[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 THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What does the psalmist value?What are your Sundays like? Peace, quiet, rest, time with God? Or are they full of activity as you rush between church services, meetings and hosting meals? Whatever your “normal” Sunday is like, here’s a psalm to take with you through the day. Praise (1–6). Take time to look up at the sky. Even if it’s a grey or stormy day, keep looking! This psalm tells us that the awesome beauty of creation constantly speaks to us about the glory of God. Let God our Creator speak to you today. Praise him! Listen to the Word (7–9). You may be hearing lots of words today—sermons, teaching, testimony. But will you be listening? Here the psalmist says God’s Word brings refreshment, joy, help to see things straight, light amid darkness, wisdom for living—and shows us who we can trust in the midst of uncertainty. His words are “more precious than gold” (10). Take time to savor his Word. Receive his forgiveness (10–14). Before our loving God, in the light of his Word, take time to notice where you’ve gotten things wrong. Accept his forgiveness for “errors” and “hidden faults” (12). In dependence on him, discover the preciousness of the life he offers and the rewards of living life his way: “Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (14).
Apply
Take time to become aware of God’s presence with you.
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