David is one of my favorite writers of the scripture because you can feel the passion and imagery oozing out of every word. I know there are plenty of opinions on the “best” Psalms out there, like Psalm 91, Psalm 46, and Psalm 139.
Another favorite of many people, including my grandmother, was Psalm 23. Even as she struggled to keep her mental faculties in her last years, the lucidity would come roaring back as she recited this one. After she passed at the age of 96, I don’t know what possessed me to believe I could stand in front of the mourners in my dress blue uniform and recite it in her funeral. I started strong but quickly lost it. Fortunately, that created a beautiful moment that will forever remain in my heart when the entire congregation rescued me and pronounced David’s words.
But Psalm 19, that one just hits a little differently.
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
Psalms 19: 1-6 (NLT)
The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
and follows its course to the other end.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
When I lived a mile up the side of a mountain outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, I could sit in my living room and watch the aurora dance through the sky, reaching down to earth in every color you could imagine. Breathtaking. While I have always been a believer, watching where the “lights touch the earth” is just another affirmation to me of the power and presence of God. Without uttering a word, or even a sound, the heavens bring truth to this world simply with their beauty and wonder. The visuals David creates here are stunningly perfect.
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
Psalms 19:7-11 (NLT)
reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
a great reward for those who obey them.
In this part, David is explaining (in quite simple terms) what the rewards are for following the laws set forth by God. And if we follow on this righteous path He has provided for us, we will be rewarded. This part is so simple, it speaks for itself. I love it.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
psalms 19:12-14 (NLT)
Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
and innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Finally, David acknowledges what we all know. Sin is lurking somewhere in even the most pious human heart. There is no escaping it. And he closes with a petition that God helps expose his sinful nature and protect him from sinning with any intention.
God is so good. This may be the best Psalm ever.
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