The heaven’s have certainly been busy this year by way of uncommon celestial events speaking to men. In our area, we have had a very near total solar eclipse last month, and now we have had a geomagnetic storm resulting in northern lights so far south that many of our friends and neighbors were able to walk outside and capture photos and witness these things Friday night. While we understand what occurs in events such as this, providing a scientific reason and analysis of how these sights come into view, we are left awestruck when we witness such events. These events are things that do not just occur everyday, and they are reminders of the greatness of the Creator of all that exists. Truly, God’s creative power is without compare, His creation reminds us of its designer and maker and when we see such things, we should rightly be left with a feeling of awe, wonder, and amazement.
As we witness such events, it reminds me of the contemplations of David as he expressed it in Psalm 19. In this light, I would like to consider this psalm for a moment. These events serve to captivate man’s mind, our awe, and give rise to wonder in the hearts and minds of children. We have witnessed what is a natural occurrence, and yet it has occurred at a magnitude at which only ever so rarely we will be allowed to observe. I think that it serves as a reminder to men that we were not there when God formed the universe, and should help to put us back in our place lest we forget and become arrogant in our learning and in our understanding.
In the first part of the Psalm, the David speaks to the declaration of the Maker in the glory of the heavens and celestial bodies. [Psa 19:1-6 NKJV] 1 To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 [There is] no speech nor language [Where] their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 Which [is] like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, [And] rejoices like a strong man to run its race. 6 Its rising [is] from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
Events such as this, without a sound give us profound sense of wonder at the order of the heavenly bodies and how all of these things work to provide us with such sights. Majestic views and wonderful hues which were ours to behold. Yet for the rarity of these events, David tells us that everyday is a wonder. The rising of the sun and the placement of the moon should bring us to wonder and amazement when we consider that God has placed it all, put it in its courses and designed it in such a way that it all works perfectly and orderly. That the creation has revealed to men its order and design, so that we may forecast and predict celestial events. We often decry how man has set God far from his mind, and yet in our age of convenient communications, we are allowed for the broadest possible audience to witness the wonders of creation. Let us remind our friends and neighbors as we talk about these events that these sights remind us of the sovereignty of God over His creation.
Having contemplated the creation and the order with which God has set everything in, David then turns his contemplation to the rule of God’s sovereignty over His creation. God’s judgements, God’s laws, God’s will. All of this comes together powerfully to give us what we should recognize and desire at our very core. Notice David’s words – [Psa 19:7-11 NKJV] 7 The law of the LORD [is] perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD [is] sure, making wise the simple; 8 The statutes of the LORD [are] right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD [is] pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 The fear of the LORD [is] clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD [are] true [and] righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired [are they] than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them Your servant is warned, [And] in keeping them [there is] great reward.
As we recognize with awe the creator and the order of the heavens which He created, we should also be reminded by these events that God has ordered our days and the ways of man. If we would obey His commandments and do His will, we would be blessed in spite of the curses in this life. He has given to us a way to fullness, and joy by way of the wisdom of His word. Contemplate in this context the words of Jesus to His disciples as He revealed the Father and the wonderful relationship that is offered through the Son (Jhn 15:11-13; Jhn 16:20-24). By our relationship in the Son, and because He has promised to those who are in Him eternal life in the glory of God, we can be reminded that abiding in His commands is the only place for us. So we trust, so we wait, so we endure and are comforted by the witness of creation to the soundness of our faith.
Finally, David turns the lens of reflection upon himself, as should each one of us – [Psa 19:12-14 NKJV] 12 Who can understand [his] errors? Cleanse me from secret [faults]. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous [sins]; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.
Jesus is the only answer for the ugliness of our sin and the curse that sins bring upon our relationships and play out in our lives. Let us then constantly seek to ask God’s forgiveness for our sins and let us meditate upon His words so that our lives and our hearts might align with His word. Go read James 1 and contemplate how James words in light of Psalm 19 should ring in our ears at our need to submit to God’s will and not our own. Finally, be accountable to each other and help one another, for we all seek to be united in His glory (Jas 5:17).