God's Voice Resounds: Psalm 19 - Melissa McLaughlin

By Melissa McLaughlin

Food for the Soul

One bite is all it takes.

Savoring a delicious meal is a simple pleasure in my life. The aromas, varied textures, and wonderful flavors bring delight.

Even as I imagine a favorite dessert, my mouth begins to water. Taking a bite of apple pie is a little slice of heaven. The sweet, tangy apples are coated with cinnamon and baked until tender. The flaky crust complements the sugary pie filling, offering layers of delectable goodness with each mouthful.

God’s Word for our Soul

Even better than apple pie, God’s Word is the finest food that nourishes and thrills our souls. The more I read and consume the Bible, the more God’s Word amazes me.

During a recent reading of Psalm 19, my husband shared his Spirit-led insights. This inspired me to research Psalm 19 more deeply. I discovered many rich nuances in this well-known Scripture. I will share a few highlights.

Psalm 19 shows how God’s Voice Resounds:

God’s Voice resounds throughout creation.
God’s Voice resounds in His Word.
As we treasure God’s Word, He speaks to our Hearts.
Then God’s Voice resounds from our Mouths.

God’s Voice Resounds in Creation

Psalm 19:1-6 – The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens, God has pitched a tent for the sun. It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is deprived of its warmth.

When we look at the heavens, God’s vast power leaves us speechless. His matchless majesty communicates to our innermost beings. God’s divine creativity is unmistakable in the twinkling stars, glowing moon, azure skies, and radiant sun. No words are required to recognize the universe’s Architect and His transcendent fingerprints. He is immense, beautiful, and marvelous. God reveals His sovereign might through creation. His voice goes out to the farthest reaches. No one is excused from this knowledge. (Romans 1:20)

God’s Voice Resounds in the Bible

Psalm 19:7-9 – The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.

God spoke every atom into existence. At His command, every element in our cosmos took its position. Is it any wonder God’s Word, the Bible, is so powerful? Reading God’s Word can change our lives. God’s voice reverberates through His Word. Are we listening?

Treasuring God’s Word

Psalm 19:10-11 – They [The Scriptures] are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Here the Psalmist reminds us that God’s Word is a cherished gift. Can you fathom winning a million-dollar prize? God’s Word has more value. Have you sampled fresh honey lately? God’s Word is sweeter to the soul. Heeding God’s Word protects us from straying. Keeping His Word ensures great gain. Through Christ, all of heaven, for all eternity awaits us.

God’s Voice Resounds in our Hearts

Psalm 19:12-13 – But who can discern their errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression.

When we invite God’s Word to penetrate our hearts and minds, He reveals secret sins and hidden faults we cannot discern on our own. As we listen and obey God’s Word by the power of His Spirit, we reflect our Savior.

God’s Voice Resounds from our Mouths

Psalm 19:14 – May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. (NIV)

God’s Word transforms us and then goes forth from our mouths.

The God who formed every galaxy revealed His will directly to us through the Bible. He longs to communicate with us and make us new in Christ. Then we will speak His Words of life to a dying world.