May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14 NIV
We frequently hear this scripture used as the Prayer for Illumination, a petition made before proclaiming His Word. But there is much more happening in Psalm 19. It begins by speaking of God’s unspoken Word as displayed in creation (v. 1-6). God is not limited to the written text but also at work in the natural world around us. We observe him with our hearts and all of our senses.
The author continues, speaking of the perfection of God’s law (v. 7-10). Today we recognize Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of that law. When we read and reflect upon the word as Christians, we acknowledge the Bible’s entirety as inspired and divine. God’s plan for humanity revealed through different authors with one unifying and consistent message, His unfolding plan of redemption for humanity.
In verses 11-14, the author reminds us that the word holds a warning for us. We become aware of our sin in its pages and the need to seek forgiveness. The final petition is for God to find hearts' contents and our actions to be acceptable. That all we do be for his glory.
When we hear the message of God’s consistent love for us, beginning with Genesis through Revelation, proclaimed, we stand in awe. We take these words to heart and internalize them, allowing them to mold and make our hearts into what is acceptable to God.
Father God, we give you thanks for your divine Word given to us. We hear the consistency of your love for undeserving people in your word. It is through your grace that we experience salvation. God, help as we read your scriptures, transform our hearts. Let the things that we proceed from our mouths glorify you. Please help us say only things that would encourage and build up and not tear down. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
