Introduction
Psalm 19: This psalm is about the wonders of God and the goodness of God's law. It describes how the laws of nature reveal God's glory. Just as the law gives new life to creation, so it gives new life to people. God's teachings help people to live rightly. The psalm concludes with prayers for forgiveness and an appeal for God's favor.
Today's Scripture: Psalm 19:8
The laws of the LORD are right, and those who obey them are happy. The commands of the LORD are just and give understanding to the mind.
Today's Reading
God's Glory in Creation
1How clearly the sky reveals God's glory!
How plainly it shows what he has done!
2Each day announces it to the following day;
each night repeats it to the next.
3No speech or words are used,
no sound is heard;
4 yet their message goes out to all the world
and is heard to the ends of the earth.
God made a home in the sky for the sun;
5it comes out in the morning like a happy bridegroom,
like an athlete eager to run a race.
6It starts at one end of the sky
and goes across to the other.
Nothing can hide from its heat.
The Law of the Lord
7The law of the Lord is perfect;
it gives new strength.
The commands of the Lord are trustworthy,
giving wisdom to those who lack it.
8The laws of the Lord are right,
and those who obey them are happy.
The commands of the Lord are just
and give understanding to the mind.
9Reverence for the Lord is good;
it will continue forever.
The judgments of the Lord are just;
they are always fair.
10They are more desirable than the finest gold;
they are sweeter than the purest honey.
11They give knowledge to me, your servant;
I am rewarded for obeying them.
12None of us can see our own errors;
deliver me, Lord, from hidden faults!
13Keep me safe, also, from willful sins;
don't let them rule over me.
Then I shall be perfect
and free from the evil of sin.
14May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you,
O Lord, my refuge and my redeemer!
Reflect
The Hebrew word for "Law" means "teaching." God's teaching included written commandments given in the Torah (Exodus – Deuteronomy). Obeying the Lord's teaching brings protection and wisdom. In practical terms, how does obeying God's teaching bring protection and wisdom in your life?
Pray
May my words and my thoughts be acceptable to you, O LORD, my refuge and my redeemer. Amen.
Prayer Concern
Environmentalists
Tomorrow's Reading
Psalm 37: A psalm describing the destiny of the wicked and of the good.