Read Psalm 19:1-14

I recently listened to an interview with an author who specializes in writing memoirs. She said what keeps her reading someone’s memoir is not their troublesome story, but rather, what has kept the author’s ‘pilot light’ lit in the midst of their troublesome story.

I need God’s voice. I need His words to fuel my ‘pilot light’ in the worst of windy storms.

Prayer is as much talking to God as listening to Him. This Psalm is all about His voice. I’m so thankful that He is a generous God who is willing to speak to us through His creation, word, and spirit.

 Psalm 19

 1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.

3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.

4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

God, thank you for reminding me of your power and beauty in creation. You spoke the world into being. You hold all things together. I’m in awe of your creativity, enormity, vastness, and generosity. I need to know you are with me. When I look at the stars they tell me that you are a genius. When I feel the warmth of the sun I am reminded of your love for me. When I watch it rise and set I am reminded of your control and consistency. Nothing is too hard for you.

7 The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

God, forgive me for doubting your word. All of the refreshment I need is found in your words. As I spend time reading your words, build my trust in you. Help me to do what you say and walk in the wisdom of your perfect words.

8 The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

God, your words are always right. I want to be right in my dealings with others, in my relationship with you, in business and in rest. I want to be aligned with your word. Thank you for the joy that comes when I surrender to your word. Thank you for directing my every step as I listen to you.

9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.

I am in awe of you, Lord. I want my life to agree with everything you say. Thank you for the promise of eternity with you and for giving me a firm place to stand. Nothing is more precious or sweeter than your words to me.

11 By them your servant is warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

God, help me heed the warnings you give me in your word. Thank you for promising an eternal reward for obedience to you. Forgive me for the things I do that I shouldn’t do and for not doing the things that I should. Show me my sins and give me the courage to turn from them. Thank you for your patience and grace. Keep moving me to deeper surrender and faith in you. I want to live and love like Jesus.

14 May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

Father, I see you through creation. I hear you in your word. I see you and you see and know me. Nothing is hidden from your sight. May the resounding music of my heart and mind be pleasing to you. You are my Lord. You are my Rock. You are my Redeemer.

Amen.

 Shelly Eberly