From Psalm 19: The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
There is a saying, God gave us two ears, and one mouth; so that we can listen more than we talk. In the same way God gave us two eyes and one mouth, so that we can listen with our eyes. This psalm made me think of this, for the psalmist was reflecting on nature. He saw in the heavens the glory of God, and in the earth around him, the handiwork of God. He saw a sermon of the goodness of God in all that was around him. The psalmist also saw God in the laws that God handed on to us. He saw new life available in the law. Yesterdays's text was Exodus 20 and the Ten Commandments. Those speak of new life if we but follow them. He also saw in the law clear warnings about who we are to be and how we are to live, which brings this new life. He saw the need for repentance and confession. His desire was to be blameless and innocent before God. And the classic, powerful, and beautiful sentence: "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."
Why not look for that same sermon in nature today? For many of us, it will be overcast and cold, but still, can we see the handiwork of God in that? As we read God's Word, can we not hear words needed for our life to be truly new before God? Can we not seek to live a life that says truly that we seek to please God?
PRAYER: Bless the Lord, O my soul. Bless the Lord's people, O my life. In Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
