David; writer of psalms, shepherd, soldier, great King of Israel, major sinner and prophet learnt about God by observing the natural world, believing the bible and applying both to his life.
In the Psalm 19 David talks about the outward word of God (Bible) and the inward thought about God that comes from looking at the natural world
This is still the main way God reveals himself to us.
Outward Word: Through the bible
Inward thought: Thinking about what God has done and is doing.
David as shepherd or soldier perhaps feeling a bit lost or lonely looks into the night sky and his thoughts bring him to say "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (1).
Declare: Announce, give a report, bring news, Make a loud statement.
Glory: Reveals what God is like - Expression of his active presence.
Proclaim: Shout out, illuminate, Inescapable announcement––God did this!
The heavens speak of the existence, intelligence and power of God. The skies, infinity of space proclaim the work of God––both complex and beautiful
God is not hiding and he is not silent
The voice of God is heard throughout the cosmos, in all languages. 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 (2-4)
The apostle Paul in the New Testament uses the natural world as part of his proclamation of the gospel (Acts 14:15b-17 and Romans 1:19-22)
(4-6) David contemplates the sun and sees through its blinding heat that the power behind it is God. He and millions of others have looked at the universe from a great distance and still been amazed. Try it!.
We know more about the cosmos than David did. Do we get it?
David does not stop at ‘Star gazing’, he acknowledges that God has also spoken through the written word––The scriptures are of great value to him.
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. (7-8)
David didn’t just read the bible he applied it to his life. As he did this he found his soul revived, his mind developed, his heart warmed, his eyes opened and his life was enriched.
Israel’s great king learnt through his experience that God's word (bible) was perfect, trustworthy, right for his life, illuminating––giving him understanding and warning him of danger He learnt from his bible, to fear the Lord and to know the Lord and he wanted more of God, his thirst for fellowship and relationship with God was overwhelming. That's what a taste of the glory of God can do.
David felt from observing the universe and applying God's word that there was still a gap, an emptiness. He knew he was an unworthy person in need of help. He admitted his need of protection, acceptance and cleansing from sin. Who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. (12)
David speaks directly to the only one who can help, the one who will love and accept him even in spite of his hidden faults. He knows God will forgive, heal, help and accept him.
What should we do with the voice of God if we hear it in the natural world and the written word?
We could respond as David did: May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
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