A Quiet Declaration-Psalm 19

There are times that I can read the Bible and consume large portions and soak in multiple concepts or applications, day after day. Then there are other times when I find myself compelled to read a singular passage or chapter for days on end. In the past I would feel ashamed, like I was doing this whole “Quiet Time” all wrong. I am learning to give myself some grace in this. Some of the passages that have captivated me in this way have become my favorites. It is in these passages that God has revealed Himself to me in ways that I needed at that very moment.

For a time earlier this year I was “stuck” in Psalm 19. I have read this chapter many times over the years, but this time I came across it, I have been compelled to slow down and soak it in. Every time I sat down to open the Scriptures I would find myself right back at this psalm. There seems to be so much to reflect on here, the glory of God revealed in His creation, truth about God written in His Word, and our response to Him.

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

God is the Creator of all things and tells us this in the Bible, but I love this illustration about the heavens and earth speaking to the evidence of the Creator. He created such great beauty that it speaks for itself, His glory, and His character.

Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Psalm 19:2-3

As the Sun and Earth move along, in their daily dance, they declare truths about their Creator. These truths displayed by the rising and setting of the Sun are here for us all. Anyone that has had the opportunity to see the glory of a sunrise or sunset, or feel the warmth of the sun on their skin, has had the benefit of experiencing the glory of God.

Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, Psalm 19:4

It is fascinating that something can make no audible sound, yet have such a loud voice. Though our ears don’t detect a sound, its words carry far and wide. This universal and consistent display of the heavens tell us daily of God’s presence and power. His power is evident in the magnitude of the light and warmth we receive, but also in the intentionality of the design.

which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, 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 there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Psalm‬ ‭19‬:‭5-‭6‬ ‭

Look at the description of the Sun rising as if with determination of a bridegroom, moving forward with intentionality, anticipation, and purpose. Then, the Sun setting with the perseverance of a runner, joyfully nearing the end of his course. What a vivid description of something that we see so often that we need to be reminded of its intricate beauty and glory!

Has the pattern of the Sun become so common to our surroundings that we no longer take notice? Perhaps its consistency has led us to a place of complacency. The truth is that we tend do this with the most faithful things and people in our lives. We see them everyday, multiple times a day, and forget that they have intentional purpose in our lives. We just expect them to keep doing what they are supposed to do whether we notice, acknowledge, or appreciate them. This does not always play out well with the people in our lives, yet with God and the things He has ordained for our lives, His faithfulness prevails. We have the ability to scared off people with our apathy, but not God. He continues even more steady than the Sun’s anticipated rise, and expected setting.

God reveals so much about Himself in the presentation and design of His Creation. To me this daily reoccurrence has become a reminder of the intentional, consistent, faithfulness of God. May we all take notice daily of the beautiful glory of God, and His faithfulness to us!