“The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.“
(Psalm 19:1)

Paul could well have used the beginning of David’s psalm in his letter to the Romans. “Since the creation of the world”, he wrote, “His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and deity…” (Romans 1:20). The night sky, ablaze with countless stars, is just the beginning of a revelation of God, but that revelation speaks in every language of the One who alone can account for it all.

We perceive that there is a personal Creator, not just because this vast and complex universe exists, but because we, self-conscious, frail and fearfully aware of our immortal soul, can’t help but see ourselves as somehow significant, even against its boundless expanse. Purpose, and therefore significance, does not arise by accident or chance – it has its origin in a mind.

The Creator is revealed a little more when we consider the sun (Psalm 19:4-6), a joyful (verse 5) yet blinding light which sustains all life. It moves through the sky in regular and dependable service, but, like God Himself, is unapproachable and beyond our comprehension. He who created our life also actively sustains it.

If the only revelation of God was His creation, where would we turn for answers to the myriad questions that have troubled mankind since the beginning of time? What is the purpose of it all? How should we live out our short span of years? What lies beyond the grave? But the psalm does not end with verse 6 – the Creator has revealed otherwise unknowable truths in the Scripture, which David esteems “more to be desired than gold” and “sweeter also than honey” (verse 10). He writes from experience:

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
(Psalm 19:7-8)

The Scripture reveals the state of man and his place in the purpose of God, but this revelation is not always welcomed. In the written Word we discover the holiness of the One who fashioned us but also how far we have fallen from what we were made to be. Thankfully, the same Word tells of the amazing love of God and how, in Him, we may find a gracious and willing Redeemer. The Scripture, “a light that shines in a dark place” (2 Peter 1:19), declares the glory of God!

Psalm 19 ends with the prayer of one who has been made wise. It is neither boastful nor self-seeking, but a prayer of humble repentance. David knew that he was sinful, more sinful than he could fathom, and he calls on God for the grace to live uprightly (Psalm 19:12-13).

He found in God much more than mercy and forgiveness. David found his home, his purpose, his joy and his heart’s desire.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.“
(Psalm 19:14)