Read
(A psalm by David for the music leader.)
The Wonders of God
1The heavens keep telling
the wonders of God,
and the skies declare
what he has done.
2Each day informs
the following day;
each night announces
to the next.
3They don't speak a word,
and there is never
the sound of a voice.
4 Yet their message reaches
all the earth,
and it travels
around the world.
In the heavens a tent
is set up for the sun.
5It rises like a bridegroom
and gets ready like a hero
eager to run a race.
6It travels all the way
across the sky.
Nothing hides from its heat.
7 The Law of the Lord is perfect;
it gives us new life.
His teachings last forever,
and they give wisdom
to ordinary people.
8The Lord's instruction is right;
it makes our hearts glad.
His commands shine brightly,
and they give us light.
9Worshiping the Lord is sacred;
he will always be worshiped.
All his decisions
are correct and fair.
10They are worth more
than the finest gold
and are sweeter than honey
from a honeycomb.
11By your teachings, Lord,
I am warned;
by obeying them,
I am greatly rewarded.
12None of us know our faults.
Forgive me when I sin
without knowing it.
13Don't let me do wrong
on purpose, Lord,
or let sin have control
over my life.
Then I will be innocent,
and not guilty
of some terrible fault.
14Let my words and my thoughts
be pleasing to you, Lord,
because you are my mighty rock
and my protector.
Reflect
The psalmist makes a few interesting comparisons in this passage, and they’re worth paying attention to. First, he mentions the silent influence of the sun and moon, how they are able to cause change and exercise power without uttering a single word. Next, he speaks of God’s law, his instruction and commands, and his teachings – all perfect, and all communicated through the use of language. Finally, he comes to a time of inward reflection, as he considers his own impact, silent and spoken, on the world around him. Having acknowledged that power does not only exist in words, but also in action, he admits that he does not always recognize when he has said or done wrong, and seeks forgiveness especially in those moments. Most of all, he prays that his words and thoughts will be pleasing to God, his mighty rock and protector.
These verses remind us, just as they did the psalmist, that both words and actions have power. We can use ours to harm or heal, to wallow or worship. The more the psalmist meditates on God’s law, the more reason he finds to celebrate and praise. God still speaks to us through his law and his creation, and the Bible still contains his commands, instruction, and teachings. When we follow the psalmist’s lead – seeking God’s word, listening to his voice, and worshipping him – we, too, will be transformed into people who have thoughts and words that are pleasing to God.
Respond
Wonderful Father, your law is perfect, your teachings last forever, and your instruction is right. You are always speaking to us, always guiding. We pray that we would be good listeners and, above all, that our words and our thoughts would be pleasing to you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Larissa Benfey
Larissa is a Toronto based actor and writer who has dabbled in everything from scripts to short stories, and is now setting her sights on novels. Having studied English and history at Tyndale University and Seminary, she loves a good story, but her favorite stories always have happy endings - which is part of why she loves the true story of the Gospel so much.