By Scott Guffin
Associate Professor and Executive Director of Christian Ministry, Samford University
GOD SPEAKS THROUGH THE BIBLE
Psalm 19:7–14
In 2 Timothy 3, the Apostle Paul reminds us that when we engage with the Word of God, we are indeed interacting with God’s words, breathed out by Him for His glory and our good.
In Psalm 19, David explores the nature of God’s Word, which he refers to by various names such as instruction, testimony, precepts, commands and ordinances.
David’s reflections are a great reminder to us today of how God still speaks to us through His Word.
God speaks to reveal His character and nature. (7–9)
It is a well-recognized truth that a person’s words speak volumes about who they are. Jesus declares in Matthew 12:34 that “the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.”
In Psalm 19:7–9, David describes the Word of God as perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, pure, reliable and righteous, thus revealing to us the character and nature of the One from whom it originates.
These verses also remind the reader of the impact God’s Word has on those who encounter it. It is continually “renewing one’s life,” “making the inexperienced wise,” “making the heart glad” and “making the eyes light up.”
God speaks to encourage us and warn us. (10–11)
As David observes, the impact of the Word of God on our lives is positive, but it is not monolithic in the ways it accomplishes these ends.
God often speaks through His Word to encourage us, affirm us, inspire us and strengthen us. Other times, however, God’s Word confronts us to warn and redirect us.
The writer of Hebrews notes that God disciplines us for our own good because He loves us. (See Hebrews 12:5–11.) It is important for us on the receiving end to remember that God’s discipline is not punitive but rather corrective.
Neither is it always painful. Sometimes it is uplifting and encouraging, as God affirms what is right in us and pushes us to new heights of connection with His will and work.
God speaks to convict us and guide us in right living. (12–14)
God will do this in the lives of believers regardless of our cooperation because we are His children. It is far better, however, to be in a position of submission to God when it comes to His dealing with our sin.
In verses 12–13, David focuses on two types of sins and invites God’s activity in addressing both. First, “hidden faults” are the sins we often fail to see in ourselves, like pride and selfish ambition.
David notes that every person struggles to discern these and asks God to declare him innocent of such sins. Of course, the only way for this to happen is for God to reveal David’s sins to him and for David to confess his sins.
If we listen, God will do the same with us through the convicting work of the Word and the Spirit. Second, “willful sins” are the ones we are clear on but engage in anyway. His cry is for God to grant him victory over such sins to prevent them from dominating him.
David’s ultimate goal, expressed in verse 14, is that his words and even his thoughts would be found acceptable in the sight of God. This should be our goal as well.
As we engage with the Bible, it is important that we have ears to hear what God is saying to us through His Word.
God is speaking. Are we listening?
Share with others: