(19:1) God's Holiness - In this psalm, David's steps of meditation take him from creation, through God's Word, through David's own sinfulness, to salvation. As God reveals himself through nature (19:1-6), we learn about his power and our finiteness. As God reveals himself through Scripture (19:7=11), we learn about his holiness and our sinfulness. As God reveals himself through daily experiences (19:12-14), we learn about his gracious forgiveness that frees us from our guilt.

(19:1-6) God's Power on Display -  We are surrounded by fantastic displays of God's craftsmanship--the heavens give dramatic evidence of his existence, his power, his love, and his care. To say that the universe came into being by chance is beyond reason. To argue that mind-boggling beauty and complexity can come out of nothing and was created by no one seems absurd. The design, intricacy, orderliness, and life-giving environment of our world clearly point to a personally involved Creator. As you look at God's handiwork around you in nature and in the heavens, thank him for such magnificent beauty and the truth it reveals about the Creator.

(19:3-4) An Awesome God - The apostle Paul referred to this psalm when he explained that everyone knows about God because nature proclaims God's existence and power (Romans 1:19-20). This does not cancel the need for missions and outreach because the message of God's salvation found in his Word, the Bible, must still be spread to the ends of the earth. Jesus commanded us to make disciples by sharing the truth of the gospel with others (see Matthew 28:19-20). While nature points to the existence of God, the Bible tells us about God's plan of salvation. God's people must explain to others how they can have a relationship with God. Although people everywhere should already believe in a Creator by just looking at the evidence of nature around them, God still needs us to explain his love, mercy, and grace. What are you doing to take God's message to the world?

(19:7-11) God's Laws Convert Us - When we think of the law, we often think of rules that keep us from doing what we want to do. But here we see the opposite: God's laws convert us, make us wise, bring joy to our hearts, enlighten our eyes, warn us, and reward us. That's because God's laws are guidelines and lights for the path rather than chains on our hands and feet. They point at danger and warn us and then point toward success and guide us.

(19:13) Guilt - Guilt plagues many Christians. They worry that they may have committed a sin unknowingly, done something good with selfish intentions, failed to put their whole heart into a task, or neglected what they should have done. Guilt can play an important role in bringing us to Christ and in keeping us doing what is right, but it should not cripple us or make us fearful. God fully and completely forgives us--even for those sins we do unknowingly.

(19:14) God is listening - Would you change the way you live if you knew that every word and thought would be examined by God? David asks that God approve his words and reflections as though they were offerings brought to the altar. As you begin each day, determine that God's love will guide what you say and how you think.