Welcome or welcome back to afaithtalk.com. Today it was very difficult to choose exactly what to write about. But I think we’re going to be blessed with a combination of words.
All of these verses will come from the lectionary for today, Psalm 19, just a few verses.
I hope these words strike you as wonderful words the way they do me. It’s rather hard to explain. I only know these are the words Jesus said ‘use’ so we’re going this way.
First let’s pray.
Lord Jesus, there is such excitement in me to know what You have for us in these words directly from Scriptures. Lead on, Lord. I’m ready to follow.
Psalm 19:7-14 is where were walking, this is verse 7.
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
Yep, I have to stop right here. Making wise… Have you been reading James? That issue was addressed in chapter 3.
Here, James 3:17-18 in the Message:
Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.
Psalm 19:8
The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
Laws, Statutes, Precepts and Commands. I, for years, found those words to be confusing talk. So what we’re going to do is see if we can define them and trust that all God’s words are refreshing, trustworthy, right, joy giving, and radiant. Because they are.
I figure we know what Laws and Commands are. It’s the Statutes and Precepts that we need to clear up a bit.
First: Statutes:
a law enacted by the legislative branch of a government
an act of a corporation or of its founder intended as a permanent rule
(m-w.com)
Apply to the Word of God: laws and commands He gave that people are to obey; a synonym for laws or commands
Precepts:
a command or principle intended especially as a general rule of action
(m-w.com)
Ah, so both are synonyms of commands or laws or rules.
Psalm 19:9 a
The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.
There are times when I wish there was a dictionary for words used in the Bible. I’m fairly certain but not totally so, that fear in this verse means awe. That will be one of our responses when He returns. It should be something we’re actively trying to do every day. Awe Him. Be in awe as you look for Him.
Psalm 19:9b
The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.
They are firm, meaning you can stand on them. You won’t go wrong obeying them. That alone can reveal trustworthiness.
Reminds me of a John Piper talk on Romans 8 and how there’s a particular verse he stands on. Yes, it’s totally possible, figuratively speaking. Like your mind is focused, not your feet being planted.
The Righteousness of God is a gift through faith to us. It takes nothing away from Him but we become righteous. All through faith in Christ Jesus. That is in the Philippians 3 Scripture for today but we’re not going there.
Psalm 19:10
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
When you read His laws, is that what you see? Preciousness, sweetness. It’s there. Keep searching.
Psalm 19:11
By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
In keeping them, there is great reward. Absolutely beyond our imagination reward. Trust Him. He’s got it all planned out and He will complete His plans.
Boy does that ever remind me of the Day of Atonement Scripture. In an opposite kind of way anyway. Here’s that post. Pay special attention to the “Those who do not” part.
Psalm 19:12-13
But who can discern their own errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.
Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.
Perfectly pray-able Scripture there. Forgive my hidden faults, O Lord and keep me from willful sins.
Blameless and Innocent oh could we go places with that. Two places jumped into my mind. So the first one is another Psalm and to be honest, I have trouble remembering this reference. Biblegateway to the rescue! I can quote it just not remember the reference. So I searched for the first verse. And up pops Psalm 32.
Two verses, the first two verses from Psalm 32:
Blessed is the one
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord does not count against them
and in whose spirit is no deceit.
That Psalm is a very memorizable psalm. I quote it when I am trying to sleep sometimes. It’s often the first one that comes to mind. Blessed, oh yes, are we ever blessed because our transgressions have been forgiven, our sins have been covered, removed as far as the east is from the west.
Oh and this is a totally trustworthy Scripture too. For some reason, this verse often enters my mind right after I quote those first two from Psalm 32.
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
And that one followed quickly by Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Yet the second place we’re going is Ephesians 1:3-4, this is the 21st Century King James Version.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ, even as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love,
Love, because He loves us so, we are becoming holy and are blameless and righteous and all of it because of faith in Jesus Christ and what He’s done for us. Faith. There’s not a single moment in life that doesn’t require it. Faith.
Psalm 19:14
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Amen and Amen.