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May 21
The Voice Of God In Nature And Revelation
The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. — Ps 19:1 BSB
Psalm 19 begins with a reflection on how nature declares the glory of God (verses 1-6). Those whose hearts are attuned to God can hear voices in creation that others cannot. The poet William Blake wrote, “When the morning sun rises, you may see only a yellow disc, but I see and hear the heavenly host crying, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy!’” Even though there is no speech or language, the psalmist reminds us that “their words have gone to the ends of the earth.” There is no nation that has not heard the voice of nature testifying to God (Acts 14:16-17; Romans 1:20-21).
In verses 7-11, the psalmist describes the transformative effect of God’s Word when the Spirit works through it. There are many ways to read the Bible—historically, literarily, or as a revelation of man’s search for God—but the best way is to ask the Holy Spirit to use it as a channel to speak directly to our souls. Be still and listen for His voice within you. The Spirit searches the depths of God and reveals them to our hearts (1 Corinthians 2:10). All that God has said to others, He is willing to say to you if your heart is humble and contrite. Pray, “Speak to me, Lord, through Your Word—restore my soul, rejoice my heart, and enlighten my eyes!” When God uses His Word to speak to a waiting heart, it becomes more desirable than gold and sweeter than honey from the comb.
The effect of God’s Word, when illuminated by the Holy Spirit, is remarkable (verses 11-14). It convicts us of sin. Just as freshly fallen snow shows up the stains on white fabric, so God’s Word reveals our errors and hidden sins.
David had little knowledge of the glory of the Cross, where God did not spare His own Son but gave Him to reconcile us to Himself. The heavens declare God’s majesty, and the Law reveals His will, but neither can reveal what the Cross of Christ tells us—that God’s love overcame hate and that His grace pursued us even in our sin.
Prayer
Gracious Lord, help me not to miss any of the lessons You desire to teach me through Your Spirit, Your Word, and Your providence. Amen.