He wants everyone to know Him
The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalms 19:1
Psalms 19 is such a powerful message, and I could not pick just one verse to write about. There is so much wisdom and revelation in it that I didn’t want to miss even one nugget. As I was preparing to write, I began by breaking each verse down into phrases and words that I could understand at a higher level. God’s word is perfect, but some of the way it is translated makes it a little difficult to understand when phrases are turned around or even words that I don’t use in everyday language. An example of this is the word firmament. I have always struggled to grasp exactly what that word was talking about.
As I was reading over it again, I simply asked. “What is it?” I was about to search for the meaning of the word when I suddenly got an impression of the first two lines of this chapter. I saw the first line that says: “The heavens declare the glory of God” and I immediately understood that it was talking about the universe with it’s stars and galaxies beyond this world. Then the next part that says: “The firmament shows His handiwork” then made sense to me that it is the sky and air within our planet.
The struggle I was having was that I thought the firmament was the heavens, so the first verse seemed repetitive in its language, but when I understood the difference in the two, the entire passage took on a new meaning. After considering that in the first verse, I decided to translate the entire psalm in my words to help me get a hold of a deeper message from this scripture. Since I have known this chapter most of my life, I wanted to look at the words that were a little out of reach in my normal everyday talk. I am including that in the message today to maybe expand this Psalm for each of you some. I know there are various translations that we will all read it in, but I am hoping and praying that breaking it down a little more will help each one to my fully get the message that David was writing about so long ago.
Start by recognizing that this Psalm is a powerful reflection of the revelation of God’s glory through His creation and the things that David knew about Him on a personal level. As you read the break down below, notice I have separated it into three sections that seem to be the three main points of the message of stepping into a deeper relationship with God through the ways we can see and know Him here in this world.
The Glory of God in Creation
- The universe announces God’s glory and the sky and air around us displays His artwork.
- Everyday says something about God. Each night tells us He is with us.
- Every nation and language in the world can see and understand what creation is saying about God’s love for them.
- His display shows up everywhere in the earth, even to the ends of the world.
- Each day is like a groom coming out of his bedroom and shouting for joy like an athlete winning his first race.
- The sun rises from one end of the earth in the east and circles around the world to set in the west. Nothing can hide from its light or heat.
The Glory of God in His Word
7. God’s structure of the way life was designed to work is completely perfect. His systems convert the wicked soul and life. His testimony and accurate account of how it was all created makes even simple or uneducated people wise.
8. His directions for living life are righteous and when followed brings joy to the heart. His commandments and instructions come from His pure heart and loving desire to lead us in a good path and lights up the way for us to walk in this dark world.
9. As we awe, reverence and fear the Lord and follow the blueprint that He made for this life to be successful, then we are not defiled but cleansed from all unrighteousness and will live for all eternity following His plan.
10. God sees and perceives the world with His truth and without any deception of the sin in it.
11. All His ways are what we are looking for in life to be satisfied and fulfilled. They are greater than the riches of all the fine gold and sweeter and more useful than honey from a honeycomb. Also, God’s people are alerted to dangers by the things around us that He has created and by walking life out in faith and keeping His ways, we are guaranteed His great rewards in this life and the next.
Personal Application
12. Sinful people cannot comprehend that they are making misguided decisions, and they also follow after secret and selfish motives. Lord, remove and cleanse us from sinful ways and from going in our selfish directions.
13. I pray the Lord keeps me away from the sin of pride and thinking that I know the right way on my own and He won’t let me be oppressed by others. Only then will all guilt, and faults be removed from me. Then all transgressions, even great will be gone from my life.
14. Lastly, (and this should be the way we live each day) let everything that comes out of my mouth and every thought that comes from my heart be acceptable and pleasing in your sight when You look at me because You are my strength and my Redeemer and give me the empowering grace to accomplish Your instructions and purpose you created me for.
Summary: The heavens are broadcasting the glory of God 24 hours a day, and every sunrise and sunset proclaim His majesty and power. Just as the sun faithfully rises each day, God’s love and presence are constant in our lives. When we look at the world around us, we can know that the same God who crafted the stars and set the sun on its course is watching over us, with care and intention.
God’s Word, like His creation, is perfect and trustworthy. It revives and restores our soul, makes simple people wise, and brings joy to the heart. In times of uncertainty or when you need direction, His commandments are clear and right, lighting your path and leading you toward truth and righteousness. There is great reward in following His ways, more precious than gold, sweeter than honey.
Even when we stumble or face challenges, Psalm 19 reminds us that God is our Rock and Redeemer. He understands our weaknesses and offers forgiveness and strength. As we seek to line our lives up with His purpose, we can pray, like the David did, that our words and thoughts would be pleasing to Him. Begin today to rejoice in knowing that the God who created the universe cares deeply for you. His Word is a guide for your life, full of wisdom and truth. Trust in His perfect ways, and let your life reflect His glory.
Today I want to encourage you to begin to implement this Psalm into your life. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself through the natural world and through His perfect Word. Worship Him daily by walking in obedience and pressing in, to know His direction for your steps. Then you will be inspired to see God’s hand in every part of your life and trust in His perfect wisdom for your day. Remember the same loving Father who created the heavens and the earth is with you all day long offering His love, guidance and strength to share with those who come into your life each day.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.
2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
6 Its rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
8 The statutes 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 judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.
13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be 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 strength and my Redeemer.
The Daily Dose 