Psalm 19:1–14

Bible Studies for Life
Director of the Extension Division, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

GAIN FRESH PERSPECTIVE
Psalm 19:1–14
Happy New Year’s! There is something about the beginning of each new year that inspires many of us to resolve to do better, be better and act better so that we might feel better about ourselves. There is a tendency to approach a fresh calendar with a desire for a fresh beginning, a fresh perspective on life. Definitely an admirable thought but what should this “new start” be based on? The Psalmist (King David) invites us to consider the gifts from the Creator.

Look to the Sky (1–6)
Having the Christmas story still fresh in our minds with the declaration of the angels and shepherds to “go see” this incredible thing God has done, this passage reminds us that God is always doing the unbelievable and amazing.
David encourages all to look at and listen to the sky. While “there is no speech nor are there words,” the message of God’s glory is clearly announced as the sun ushers in the splendor of the day and the awe of each night.

Look to the Scriptures (7–11)
After celebrating the majesty of the song of God’s creation, the writer now directs us to the Lord’s spoken Word.

David celebrates the perfect nature of Scripture, which when followed and obeyed offers incredible benefits for God’s people. He wants his hearers to understand that by holding to these teachings, they will be the recipients of the incredible blessings of wisdom, guidance, peace, encouragement and love.

Look in Your Heart (12–14)
Knowing God is intimately involved in all things, David asks Him to look upon and control his heart. At this point in the psalm and in David’s life, he wants nothing more than to be completely connected to God. He asks the Lord for forgiveness of intentional, as well as unintentional, sins and even for assistance in avoiding rebellious behavior. He wants a fresh start, a fresh perspective with his Creator. David wants to follow God personally, completely and exclusively and knows he cannot do it in his own power.

Each of us has a perspective on life and our world. This view is shaped by everything that happens around and to us. Some people credit God with forming their perspective, but others exclude or ignore Him when it comes to their viewpoint on life. This psalm, as well as the entire Bible, seeks to communicate that God wants all people to have a right perspective on Him and relate to Him.

David calls us to look and reflect upon creation — the beauty, greatness and orderliness of all of it — and recognize that God is its Maker and Master. If we are willing to consider His creative work through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, then it should quickly become obvious that it all points to and glorifies a unique and powerful Creator. 

Furthermore recognizing God truly controls all that surrounds us should cause us to look at His Word with a fresh perspective. Think about it — The Creator and Master of all that exists shares His thoughts and instructions for us through the Holy Bible. Breathtaking idea, isn’t it? The very Ruler of the universe wants to talk to and teach us, because He desires that life might “go well” for us (Deut. 6:1–5). And not only does God provide a written guide that has our best interest at heart but even better, He wants to abide in our hearts. Our Creator desires to dwell within us. God promises if we open our hearts to Him — to the saving power of His Son, Jesus Christ — then He will enter our lives, grant forgiveness for all of our sins and offer us a fresh start. 

The opening of the psalm brings us into the presence of the universal Creator. David then shows us the Creator is also the God of the Holy Scriptures. The writer culminates by showing us that this same God makes Himself personal. This personal God came to earth as a man and sacrificed Himself for the sins of all mankind. And by doing so, He paid the price — death — that we should have had to pay ourselves. The result of this unselfish act allows this God to dwell in the hearts of all people who will call on Him to be their Lord. Need a fresh perspective? He’s where you find it.