Thursday, January 23, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Psalm 19

The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can detect their errors?
Clear me from hidden faults.
Keep back your servant also from the insolent;
do not let them have dominion over me.
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to you, O Lord,
my rock and my redeemer. (NRSV)

Reflection

I love this planet. I love the fact that the beauty of this planet speaks to me of the glory of God. No question. The psalmist says that the heavens and the firmament tell of God’s glory even when “There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world.” I am so comfortable with the idea that the glory of this Power shines through the beauty of the planet itself and toward all of the creatures living on it.

I am comfortable with God’s creation telling of God’s power. However, I grow wary when I read “the commandments of the Lord are clear.” I have recently been caught up in a swirl of people using their perception of the law to condemn each other, using God’s Law as a weapon, as a backup for an opinion.

I do love the closing statement of this psalm, where it turns all contemplation back to one’s self. “Who can detect one’s own errors? Clear me from hidden faults.” What a lovely turn this takes for me. I am going to try to use my time on this planet to consider the beauty of the earth as my own verification that God is my creator and sustainer and will indeed be my rock and redeemer. I will seek to find meaning and direction in God’s word as I read it, and as people whom I can currently “hear” interpret it. I will remember that I cannot detect my own errors, nor can I (should I) detect my perceived errors of others.

Prayer
God, let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable to you, my rock and redeemer. Amen.

Written by Katy Sinclair, Associate Director of Music for Children and Youth

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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