From Heaven to Heart

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As I read through Psalm 19 this morning it struck me that there seemed to be a disconnect happening through these few verses—a drastic change in themes without any link between them.

From verses 1 to 6 we have the glorious reminder that the skies declare the wonder of God. The rising and setting of the sun proclaims Him without a sound being heard.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice in not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like  champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.

There is a dramatic shift in verses 7 to 11 when the psalmist describes the value of the law of the Lord.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statues of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keep them there is great reward.

Then the psalm ends (vss. 12-13) with a plea on the part of writer. He asks for forgiveness for the sins he has committed and he asks that the Lord keeps him from choosing to sin.

Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of transgression.

As I thought about the psalm I realized that there really is no disconnect at all. The “big picture” of a silent yet spectacular heaven narrows into the audible voice of God through His perfect Word. The result of the exposure to God’s Word results in repentance in the heart of anyone in whom the Spirit of God is working.

We look, and the heavens declare Him to be the One for Whom our hearts search in those same heavens.

We hear His voice through the provision and protection offered in His Word. We know what He asks of us.

We understand how we have offended the perfection that He is and look to Him for forgiveness and for a new direction in life—one that will reflect that perfection.

We worship—what remains to be done?

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.