Paintings in the Sky
Scripture
For the director of music. A psalm of David.
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 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. (Psalm 19)
Reflection
Have you ever watched the morning sun as it rose high among the clouds? When did you last spend time gazing at an evening sky before the sun set, marveling at the colorful hues often present? What about the night sky when it’s clear and you can see the moon and stars that are too many to count?
In Psalm 19:1–2 we read: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” David looked to the sky and saw the glory of God. He saw God’s power, his artistry, and his kindness in creating such wondrous things for mankind to see and enjoy.
David went on to write that, day after day, night after night, the heavens speak, they reveal knowledge. Their declarations are constant, never broken, for all the world to receive, no matter what language is spoken there. Without words, the heavens’ voice reaches the ends of the earth.
How do God’s magnificent heavens speak to you? In your anxious moments, look up—take in the wonder of God’s creation and be reminded of the truths it proclaims. When you are burdened by your circumstances and those of our world, look up—let the heavens declare God’s glory and power. If there are times when you feel lost, broken, unworthy—look up, see what your loving God has made for you to enjoy, and be reminded of his care for you.
David tells us that God, who reveals his glory in the heavens, tells us who he is through his perfect Word—he is our loving and faithful God. As he speaks to us through his gift of Scripture we are offered life, we are offered righteousness through Christ, we are taught how to walk with him in obedience and know joy.
During this Lenten season, let us surrender our mouths and hearts to God in new ways; let us seek to continually offer a sacrifice of praise to our Rock and our Redeemer.
Prayer
Creator God, we stand in awe of you as we see the heavens revealing your glory day after day. Thank you for the skies that proclaim the work of your hands, and for their voice that goes out to the ends of the earth. Thank you for your Word and for the new life it brings me in Christ. In his name, Amen.
2024 Lenten Journey
Adrian Brown