Knowing God

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 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. 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, 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. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer.- Psalms 19:1‭-‬14 ESV

Rev. Dwight Yoo

This is the start of a new series through the book of Psalms. The Psalms help to provide words that speak of our hearts and our emotions. They convey not just our hearts, but also God's heart to us.

Today's psalm covers how God encounters us and our reaction. It is split into three parts

The first part tells us to turn our perspective upwards. It speaks of the night sky, of planets and stars. But not just that, but also of God. When we look at creation, it speaks volumes of the Creator, God. It is like nonverbal communication. It is like to body language of God, speaking of His love and care for us.

The second part of this psalm speaks to God's verbal communication. It is the word of God. The word of God is all trustworthy, perfect, and true. Each of us are prone to making bad decisions. We are all in need of wisdom. The word of God will benefit us not just in heaven but in the here and now. It protects us from foolish living. Not only that, but the word of God revives. It brings those who are dead back to life.

The final portion of this psalm is David speaking about his own sin. Why? This is the reaction of anyone who meets God. First, creation speaks of God's power and majesty. Second, the scriptures speaks of God's desire for us and his commands to us. So then, David finally looks inside himself. He speaks of his inner darkness, his sinfulness, and unrighteousness. Even moreso, he speaks to his spiritual blindness. But spiritual blindness is not like physical blindness. Those who are physically blind know it. But the spiritually blind are unaware of it. We are all blind to some of our spiritual faults. Not only that, but David asks to be declared innocent of his hidden fails and sins. This is an audacious request. What gives him any standing to ask this? The Israelite system of sacrifice told of a substitute that would take on the punishment of sin. David knew that a sacrifice would come and make him acceptable before the eyes of a holy and righteous God. This sacrifice was Jesus. The one who had no hidden fault. He lived the perfect life that we could not and died the death that we deserved.