May 2 – Reading 122

MAY 2 – Reading 122

by Marcia Rainey | May 2

“DIVINE REVELATION, DIVINE ACCEPTANCE”
(Psalm 15:1-5; 16:1-11; 19:1-14; 20:1-9)

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:14

One frigid February night this year, I stood outside my house looking into the sky this way and that way, over and over again, in my quest to find and identify all seven planets visible that night. I spied Mars with its reddish tint, Mercury and Saturn positioned near each other, brightly shining Venus, and eventually Saturn. At least, that’s what I think I saw. My neighbor kept watching me from her kitchen window; surely, she thought I’d lost my mind as I continued scanning the sky above me. I couldn’t identify all seven planets among all the stars shining down at me, but I was awestruck by the vastness and beauty of the night sky, the handiwork of my God! 

Young David tended his family’s flock of sheep, wandering day after day, night after night, in the Judean wilderness and plains. Imagine David observing the shifting canvas of clouds stretched endlessly above him as his sheep grazed around him. As the sun goes down, he notices the hues of color that paint the sky, getting an indication of the next day’s weather. At night, he lies down under the vast expanse of the night sky, sparkling with stars beyond number. Surely there were other nights when he would look for a protective place of refuge as lightning ripped through the dark sky, followed by thunder that vibrated the ground beneath him. I imagine David reflecting on such memories as he pens the first stanza of Psalm 19, a testament to the handiwork and glory of God. 

At the age of 30, David began his 40-year reign as king of Israel. God had commanded the king to read and meditate on His law every day. Very few people at this point in history had the privilege of access to God’s Word. In his daily study, David finds delight in God’s Law. He describes its perfection and life-giving nature, reviving his soul and guiding his life with its wisdom and unerring truth. God’s Word was a treasure more desirable than fine gold.   

In response to learning about God through creation and His Word, David cries out for God to keep him from unintentional sin and willful rebellion (Ps. 19:12,13). David recognized the propensity for each one of us to follow our own desires and that a righteous life is impossible without God’s intervention. David ends Psalm 19 by identifying God as his Rock and his Redeemer―beautiful reminders that the amazing, glorious God who created all that is also watches over us and leads us in the way of righteousness. How marvelous! 

May our response to God be the same as David’s desire articulated in the final verse of Psalm 19: “May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”    

Simple Truth:
God reveals his character and majesty through both the splendor of creation and the perfection of His Word, inviting us into a life of awe, reflection, and obedience.

Reflections:

1. How do you experience God’s presence and character as you observe the details of His creation?

    

2.  What words of praise in these psalms resonate with you?

    

3. Are there patterns of your thoughts and/or speech that must be transformed so that  God will be pleased? 

Applications:

1. Take some time to be outdoors and be attentive to the details of the nature surrounding you. Allow them to remind you of God’s power and care.

    

2. Recite David’s words from these psalms during your personal prayer time today.

    

3. Ask the Holy Spirit to evaluate your words and thoughts. Strive to make your words and actions a testament to the beauty and truth of God to those you encounter this day.

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I am in awe of the world You created and sustain. Thank You for the privilege of studying Your Word, which guides and spiritually sustains me. I ask for Your help so that my thoughts, words, and deeds may be pleasing to You. Forgive me when I sin and give me wisdom and strength to walk faithfully before You. Lord, You are my Rock, and Jesus, my Redeemer, anchors my life in Your everlasting love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.