A Heart at RestSample

Declare His Glory (Psalm 19)

My daughter can’t speak yet, but I know she loves me. Her full face breaks into a smile and her little feet kick with joy when I go to get her from the crib each morning. Throughout the day, sometimes all I have to do is look at her and she’ll respond with giggles of delight. At night, when I rock her before bed, she’ll stare back at me, eyes wide with wonder and contentment, as if this is her whole world - just us two together.

As a mom, those tender moments of love between you and your child, no matter their age, are precious beyond words. One of the gifts of parenthood is that it gives us glimpses into the way our Heavenly Father relates to us. Just as we’re captivated by the little expressions of love from our kids, so God delights in being adored by his children.

Psalm 19 presents us with a worshipful expression of beholding and adoring God. The Psalmist David encounters God in two ways: the wordless revelation of God in creation, and the clear revelation of God in his written Word.

In first beholding God through creation, David declares that the heavens show us God’s glory, and the sky proclaims God’s handiwork. Each unique day tells us something of the Creator’s diverse mind, and each dark night sky reveals to us the scope of God’s creative energy in the expansive universe. The daily arc of the sun through the sky and its all-pervading light exclaims the extent and depth of God’s reign. God’s creation speaks forth God’s power and beauty.

David then explores the revelation of God through his written Word. David’s first set of statements speaks on what God’s Word does for its hearer:

God’s perfect law revives the soul.

God’s sure testimony makes wise the simple.

God’s right precepts rejoice the heart.

God’s pure commandment enlightens the eyes.

God’s Word evokes reverence and awe that endure forever.

David’s second set of statements explores the worth of Scripture in it of itself: God’s rules are true and righteous altogether. They are more to be desired than gold. They are sweeter than honey. In keeping them there is great reward.

After beholding God through creation and through the Word, David looks inward. Standing before God’s glory and holiness, David is moved by his own sinfulness. David desires to conform to the glory of God that he has encountered, but he is aware of his deficiency. David humbly asks for God’s cleansing and for God’s power to help him walk in his ways. “Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me!” David says (Psalm 19:12-13).

This encounter with God, while highlighting David’s own sinfulness, does not end in shame. David does not address God as “accuser” or “judge” but rather “my rock and my redeemer,” also translated as “my refuge and my champion.” David is confident in God’s mercy and grace toward him.

David’s response to God’s glory is not shame, and it is also not striving. David does not turn and endeavor in his own efforts to become more like God. Instead, he offers his worship: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight,” David concludes (Psalm 19:14). David is presenting his heart’s meditation upon God’s glory and grace, the words of this Psalm, to God. He brings before God not a track record of his own good works but rather a heart-felt expression of love. David’s offering is his adoration.

David’s prayer leads us to turn our eyes outward: to meditate upon the glory of God displayed in creation and in his Word. Now, I know the word “meditating” might not seem like it has a place in the years of raising young kids. But solitude and silence are not requirements for beholding God’s glory! When you’re outside playing with your kids, take a moment to intentionally notice the aspects of God’s creation that stand out as beautiful to you. If you’ve spent time in God’s Word in the morning, take one verse or concept about the character of God, and try to bring it to mind throughout the day.

When we behold our beautiful Lord, we are led not into shame or striving but into worship. Our hearts humbly bow, in awe of all God is, and we offer him our praise. And oh how the Father delights in what he hears.