Psalm 19:7-14 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 19:7-14 on biblegateway.com
Verse 7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
Verse 8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
Verse 9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
Verse 10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
Verse 11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Verse 12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
Verse 13Keep 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.
Verse 14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Devotion
The psalmist has meditated richly on the mysteries of God. Verses 1-6 reflect on the ways creation itself declares the glories of God. In verse 7, where today's reading picks up, the psalmist turns to the law of the Lord (Torah). The Torah was a way of life for God's people. It was the Lord's invitation into the richness of God's love. Living into Torah meant living into God’s dream of shalom.
The psalmist describes the Lord's Torah as "perfect." Some translations say "complete." We human beings know a great deal about brokenness—relationships end, promises are broken, human endeavors fail. Only God can promise completeness or wholeness—perfectly enduring love. Such a life is delightfully irresistible.
The psalmist recognizes that God's dream of wholeness for us is sweet delight. It brings to my mind the smiling faces of our girls when they were little—those big grins and giggles as they devoured an ice cream cone on a hot summer's day. Their sticky cheeks covered with the melting desire of their hearts. They had tasted that the Lord is good!
Prayer
Lord God, let me hunger for your justice. Let me crave your shalom. Let me delight in your loving kindness. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen.