Wednesday, April 2, 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

Being raised in the Catholic faith, I’m not all that familiar with the Bible. The stories and characters have become more recognizable to me over the past many years. Ask me to quote book, chapter, and verse, and you’ll only get a look of wonder. Poetry has never come easily to me either. This combination makes reading the psalms a bit of a challenge.

My untrained eye finds Psalm 19 coming from two very different voices. First, some poetry on the wonder of God’s creation as the glory of the heavens, as we can view them from earth, unfolds above and around us. Quickly the tone changes, to what seems like a contrast, to harsher language on the law of God. Then, thrown in for good measure, are two very familiar verses. The first of these, mentions gold and honey; the other is the prayer at the very end of the psalm.

I’m just not sure what to make of all of it. Beauty, from words that don’t easily make sense to me; a retelling of God’s law and comfort in the recognition of often-repeated words. Beauty, reminders, comfort. All expressions of God’s presence in our lives.

Prayer
Lord, help me to sense your presence in my life today. Whether it be through the wonder of a snowfall, the reminder of a long-held truth, or a smile from a loved one, may I see your face and feel your strength today and every day. Amen.

Written by Lisa Garay, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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