David rises early to be with his God. As he walks the palace grounds, he is joyfully summoned to worship by the birds, who are already singing praises to their Creator. From the corner of the courtyard, he hears the trees register their approval with rustling applause.
Meanwhile the stars above have already begun to surrender their heavenly posts to the morning. David pauses. Enthralled by the majesty of his surroundings, he is provoked to worship:
Ps 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Ps 19:2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
Ps 19:3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
Ps 19:4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
He lingers and listens. Slowly, perceptibly the dawn’s breath warmly caresses his face as the sun ascends to its daily reign in the sky. He heads for a small tent pitched in the palace courtyard that offers shade. David is inspired by the wonderful juxtaposition:
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
Ps 19:5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
Ps 19:6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
He continues to meditate. Ever keen to God’s influence, he discerns a divine purpose in the sun’s trajectory –its dominion is governed by one greater than itself. This royalty of the heavens obeys the laws God has established for it. What about me? David thinks to himself. What governs my conduct? What rule sets my course in life? If the sun is governed, then surely mankind is as well. His worship-saturated mind is directed towards God’s law:
Ps 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
Ps 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.
Ps 19:9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
Only God can provide the true purpose and direction to man’s existence, David concludes. Thus only God’s law is sufficient to govern man’s own course. In light of this, he discerns that God’s word is of utmost value, a treasure beyond anything in his palace:
Ps 19:10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
Stirred by this fresh insight, David begins to grapple with the implications for his own life. If God’s perfect law sets the boundaries, then diligence and persistence are necessary because dangers abound:
19:11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
This caution exposes an important, but disturbing, distinction between him and the rest of creation. They always obey God’s purposes –the sun never strays from the rules of its Creator; the stars do not decide where to shine. But David knows that this is not true of him. He has sinned too many times to conclude otherwise. His tender heart is pierced, and he is moved to confess his insufficiency and great need:
Ps 19:12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
Ps 19:13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
Amen, David. Amen.
In Him,
James Gitre
