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
From the soothing trickling of a tranquil mountain stream to the tumultuous violent sounds of a volcanic explosion, nature is God’s signature statement. God is the awesome creator of the universe.
Nature delivers a message not spoken with words. People from every tribe and nation do not need an interpreter. God speaks his own language through the sky, stars, sun and moon drawing men to himself.
Nature is its own kind of bible and points to the glory of God! (v1, NIV). God gave mankind a showcase of beauty as an entry to his full purpose in creating the heavens and the earth. But God had more in mind.
The full revelation is found in the written Word of God. From Genesis to Revelation, we are given the whole counsel of God—his Story. David, who had only the first books of the Old Testament as his Bible, could still appreciate the wisdom of God’s Word (vv7-10). How much more can we, with the whole Bible to guide us!
The Word of God is unlike any other book because it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). It brings life-transforming change into our hearts. It sets us free from the grip and oppression of sin and shows us how we can have new life in Jesus Christ when we surrender to God.
David, a man after God’s own heart, who knew the tragic pain and folly of sin, sounded a warning. “Don’t let me do wrong on purpose Lord, or let sin have control over my life” (v13a). What is the greatest showcase of the glory of God? A life that has been transformed and radically changed by his son, Jesus Christ.
Respond
Dear Father, Thank you for the indescribable beauty of nature. I am refreshed by your handiwork. But, I cry out, “Yay God, Hallelujah for your Word and for your work in my heart.” Keep me close to you, Father, so that I may reflect your glory. Amen.
Margaret Gibb
Margaret has been actively involved in Canada with ministries to women for over 35 years, serving for 10 years as President of Women Alive. A writer and international speaker, Margaret has a passion to see women fulfill their God-given calling. In October 2011, she founded a new ministry organization, Women Together, that will engage professional Canadian women to come along side women in developing countries with skills development, leadership training, spiritual encouragement and support.