Devotional Thoughts from Psalm 19:7–14
Psalm 19:7–14
7The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: And in keeping of them there is great reward. 12Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be innocent from the great transgression. 14Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Can you eat just one Lay’s tater chip?
Their past commercials say that you can’t. One chip only ignites an appetite for more. What does that have to do with today’s portion from the Psalms?
The Stars Are Like A Tater Chip
The creation around me and the planets and stars above me have been preaching, that is what the first six verses of Psalm 19 tell us.
From the beginning of creation, the constellations cry out a consistent call to all creatures, “There is a Creator!”.
Ha, I just realized the Baptist preacher came out with all that alliteration. Did you see how many c words I used in that last sentence? It just happens. I can’t help myself. Anyway, let me get back on track. Because of those planets and stars I know he exists. I can clearly see through all that is made that he is there, but does he care? Can I know him?
Like one Lay’s, the display of planets and stars leave me wanting more with no resolution.
Thankfully, God is not an un-involved, uncaring creator! He wants us to know him, so he gave us the way to know him, his Word.
Psalm 19:7-10 tell us about his perfect, infallible, inspired Word that is able to save us, show us the way, and supply us with joy. So, this Psalm tells us about two speakers, those that fill the night sky and the one on your night stand.
My favorite preacher from the past Charles Spurgeon spoke about the two speakers of Psalm 19 and said,
“He is wisest who reads both the world-book and the Word-book as two volumes of the same work, and feels concerning them, My Father wrote them both.”
A Bible on the shelf doesn’t help anyone know God or improve them so in verses 11-14 David applied the Scriptures to himself and asked God to use his word to reveal areas of needed improvement. The only way to truly understand the Bible is through both study and applied experience.
The Scriptures Are like A Tater Chip
There is yet another longing created by the Word. When I read those wonderful words and try to live it then I will eventually conclude that I have fallen short and can’t live up to their perfect standard.
The Scriptures leave me wanting a Savior.
He isn’t like a chip that makes you just want more. We can find joy and fulfillment in Christ.
My Savior is more like a Snickers, he satisfies.
Actually, Snickers don’t really satisfy, but that is for another blog.
This wonderful Psalm starts with David looking at the stars and ends with him asking the Word of God to look into him showing him his need of a Savior.