A Natural Progression
“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork” (Psa. 19:1). This inspired declaration penned by King David serves as a powerful reminder of the testimony of God’s existence offered by all the marvels contained in the vastness of space. However, as the initial verse in this psalm it also points to God’s existence as just the first step intended by a contemplation of the heavens. Indeed, the following verses propel his thought forward even more. The rotation of the earth to create the day/night cycle, David argues, offers daily testimony of the wisdom of God in creation (Psa. 19:2-4b), and the placement of the sun to offer its light and heat for the benefit of mankind do the same (Psa. 19:4c-6). Thus, the view we greet every morning and every night does not exist by chance but with purpose: to draw us to consider the One who designed it as such and placed us in such a perfect situation. The apostle Paul asserted this truth as well: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:20). Creation points to a Creator. Indeed, if we fail to recognize God’s power, wisdom, and nature through an examination of creation in all its intricacies, we miss out on their ultimate purpose. What good does it do to put a man on the moon or see distant stars through a telescope if we do not acknowledge the One who placed them there?
However, David did not end the psalm with natural creation, showing that while the evidence in creation points us to God, the knowledge of God should lead us to His will. He continues: “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psa. 19:7-9). Seeing the existence of a Creator is only the first step, a step that we must follow with seeking that Creator’s will. While requiring discernment and integrity to accept only that consistent with an omnipotent, omniscient Being, the reality of God necessitates seeking the reality of His will, recognizing it not as some inner feeling that strokes our ego but rather a rational discourse on the purpose of man and a reasonable guide to draw man to Him. The inspired word, in all its purity, accomplishes this in ways man could only dream of were it not already a reality. Valuing it as the valuable guide to life, as a warning about the problems of certain behaviors, and as the perfect help in developing high character should be a given once it is found (Psa. 19:10), for it anticipates our weaknesses and teaches us real strength (Psa. 19:11-13). And yet, if we only see it as a guidebook for this life, however valuable, we still have stopped short.
The psalmist closes his observations with this simple desire for himself in life: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer” (Psa. 19:14). Pleasing God should be the aspiration of every one in creation down to the words we say and the thoughts we consider because we know God for Who He is, the things He has done, and the opportunities He has given us. To know that God is matters. To know God’s will matters. However, both of these exist to help us know God Himself, to know His blessings, to know His character, and to live each day upon this earth in a relationship with Him. God has provided everything necessary to draw us to Him, but we must stop, look, and listen if we are ever to appreciate it.