Today I was reading in Psalms 19 and was freshly struck by the beauty and simplicity of this verse “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You”.

In my decision to take it as a subject for the morning’s bloggage (I made that word up – you can thank me later…), I went to a plethoric (which is also not a word but certainly should be) source of information for some details concerning this psalm, and found a wonderful explication which I’ve used to help create the basis for this post. Through this source, I found that it is important to note that the backdrop of the categories of praise in this psalm and David’s rehearsal of them is not a backdrop of serenity, pleasure, and stability. No, David is in the midst of fleeing for his life from King Saul; furious with rage and jealousy! When we keep this in mind as we read Psalm 19, it makes the world of difference in our interpretation and application!

Here is a simple breakdown of this psalm: (my own… not anything profound!)

1. David begins the Psalm with a description of the heavens and their majesty; the works of creation drawing attention and worship to their Creator. This also denotes acknowledgment of the existence of the Creator, as Romans states: “They [we] know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them [us].”

2. David goes on to speak of God’s display of power in creation – particularly referencing His sending of the Sun to light the world; giving warmth and energy. (see a little foreshadowing there?)

3. David “switches gears” and begins to speak of the Word of God (which gave power and form to creation): “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul…” In this description (read the whole thing! it is one of the most beautiful descriptions of the Word that I have read!) David demonstrates the all-sufficiency of scripture and the soul-satisfying results of walking in God’s ways.

4. In conclusion, David does what he could not help but do after contemplating the character, creation, and Word of the Lord: he worships! Because he has recognized who God is and what He has done, he moves to respond in praise and devotion. (Which brings us to…)

5. A statement of commitment and an acknowledgment of dependence and desire are the basis for the final words of Psalm 19: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” In these words, David also summarizes what he has just emphasized in the entirety of the psalm: the power, stability, salvation, and trustworthiness of God; his “rock and redeemer”.

What I drew from this Psalm (especially knowing the circumstances in which David is speaking) is the following:

A contemplation of the character, work, power, and purposes of God results in trust, faith, and devotion.

When I consider the works of His hands, the beauty of His promises, the steadfastness of His nature; the joy of knowing this God, this Savior, this loving Father must indeed overwhelm me, and force from my heart the passionate cry;

“Oh, that the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, may be pleasing to you – because of who you are; my Lord!”

Today, as I walk the road He has traced for me, I find assurance not in my circumstances (David was certainly not looking to his circumstances for joy and motivation for devotion to God!) but in the very knowledge of God; the contemplation of His creation, character, promises, and power to work out that entirety of what he has purposed.

I would so encourage anyone struggling in the area of trusting or doubting God (as well as finding fresh passion and devotion to “walk in a manner worthy”) to study Psalms 19 (or any of the Psalms – I love them! )…

This will allow you to understand and appreciate the words of Romans 11:33; “Oh the depths of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” and will impart much faith to your soul!

Only when you come to know God will you come to rejoice in even the “unsearchable judgments” and “untraceable paths”, and find your heart crying (despite these mysteries!) “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you!” as you worship this God with your life.