Psalm 19

God’s In Control

How do you praise God for his creative activity? How do you accept God’s will in your life?

Despite the chaos of social and political life, the world just goes on. No matter how we get caught up in our own problems or the crises of the moment, there always seems to be a tomorrow. God’s in charge and, sometimes, that’s all we need to know.

The author of Psalm 19 must have had the same insight. God was in control. Creation reflected the power of his commands. In 19:1-5b, God put the order in the sky, like craftsman built a piece of furniture. His word, silent as it was, created harmony and purpose, even to the ends of the earth. In 19:5c-7, God made the sky like a tent for the sun, and like his word, God sent the sun on a predetermined journey that could be measured with regularity.

The orders that regulated creation found their way into the Law; the author praised God for that power. Notice how many differed times the name of YHWH was invoked in 19:8-10. Notice, too, how the Law resulted in order in the believer’s life. The perfect Law renewed life. The trustworthy Law gave wisdom. The right ways of the Law brought joy. The clarity of the Law enlightened. The edicts of the Law were true and just. The Law stood beyond sensual pleasures, for it brought sure reward to the spirit. Pleasures may be transitory, but awe of the Lord in the believer and creation remained forever.

In 19:13-14, the author acknowledged his shortcomings when he faced the order of the Law. So, praise turned to petition. He wanted salvation from unknown faults and the forgiveness of sins. With his sins forgiven, he could end the psalm with a doxology (19:15); in word and thought he would acknowledge the Lord as “my rock and savior.”

Many people criticize the Christian lifestyle as too confining; these people want their freedom but refuse to see the price that freedom demands. The faithful might not wallow in the transitory pleasures evil provides, but they do enjoy the peace and joy that the wisdom and justice God’s will brings. The God who has a plan for the universe has a plan for each one of us. By acknowledging his control of creation and obeying his will, we can realize his favor.

With God in control, everything can be right in my life.

How do you see God’s will in creation and in the Christian lifestyle? What has God’s will brought you? How have you enjoyed the Lord’s favor in the Christian life?