God’s Glory in Creation and the Law

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a te
nt for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping

them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep 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.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer
.

via Psalm 19:8 (NRSV) – Biblia.com.

I do not subscribe to magazines like Outside Magazine. My life tends to happen inside four walls, so I guess I need some type of “Inside Magazine”. I am not proud of this fact. I believe I should be outside in God’s creation more often than I am. There are times when I do find myself outside, but I have to be intentional about it. In the spring I begin getting my garden ready. During the summer, I spend time keeping up with my yard. In fall, I will be raking leaves. Of course in the winter, I will be shoveling way too much snow. I tend to work outside, more than enjoy outside.

Other than for seasonal maintenance work, I find myself inside. I would like to believe that culture has done this to me. My background is in computer technology, so I’ve spent countless hours inside programming. I spend a lot of time writing, or meeting with people, or preaching, most of which happens inside.

King David’s life was much different from mine. His culture wasn’t surrounded computers, TV, and a host of other screens. When he looked out, he did not see a word processor looking back. When David looked out, he saw God. All around David could see the glory of God’s handiwork.

Midway through the psalm, David begins praising God for his law. It is as if David saw God’s law as part of God’s handiwork. He realized that through God’s law, the simple become wise, the heart is revived, and eyes enlightened. David saw that walking in the way of God brought great reward.

Maybe if we take time to look at God’s creation, including God’s law, we will get a sense of God’s creativity and love. I think it’s time for me to head outside…God’s calling.