Scripture: Psalm 19 (NRSV)
Life is crazy, and I’m told that it only gets crazier. Running from class to class and prioritizing group meetings, assignments and projects are only part of a student’s busy life – let alone socializing and fulfilling the promise that “tomorrow, I will go to the gym.” Knowing that work life and family life will be just as demanding is almost as overwhelming as it is exciting. At times, I feel trapped under the busyness of the everyday. It is enough to make me wonder if I’m missing something.
In Psalm 19, David chooses a peculiar subject for a love song. His eloquent words make it hard to believe that he is actually talking about the law of the Lord rather than a person. Unlike David, I am not usually inclined to write endearing poetry about something that sometimes makes me feel enslaved. Laws give me limitations, telling me what I am doing wrong. The last thing I consider when I think about laws is how they give me freedom.
David must have gotten what I missed. The law that he describes reveals God’s love for humanity. It is clear and simple, allowing those who follow it to receive the freedom of a pure heart. Too often, I let my circumstances dictate how I feel. Allowing my to-do list to distract my thoughts keeps me from truly being free to dwell in God’s love. Even when you are too busy to notice, God is asking you to give him your heart and in doing so, he will set you free.
Scripture: Psalm 19 (NRSV)
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun,
5which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
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.
14Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.