Still looking

 

Psalm 19

¹The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

²Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.

³There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;

⁴yet 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,

⁵which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

⁶Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.

⁷The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;

⁸the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;

⁹the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

¹⁰More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.

¹¹Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

¹²But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.

¹³Keep 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.

¹⁴Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Reflection

     This may be my favorite Psalm (until I read another one that speaks to my heart that day). It is lyrical and beautiful, a favorite of may. There are several verses that are memorable. The Word certainly can remain with you and keep nourishing you long after you read it or hear it!

     What are you favorite verses?

     What do you make of the line--"Clear me from hidden faults."? I don't know about you, but I feel like my faults are usually pretty obvious and repeated! I generally don't have a problem identifying all of my shortcomings. I am not sure that I want God to add to the list! Yet, I know and confess that there are things that I have done that I am not yet aware of. If I don't know, how can I work to make it right.

Prayer

Lord God, guide me to see the ways that I need to learn to love others better. Teach me also when I need to love and forgive myself so that I can be kind and compassionate with others. Bring us all into a greater sense of your eternal peace. In the Name of Christ, we pray. Amen.