Thursday, January 19, 2012

150 Days of Psalms - Psalm 19



What a beautiful Psalm! It has inspired many wonderful songs. There are songs based on the first 4 verses. I learned a great chorus as a teenager that is a direct singing of vs. 6-11 in the KJV. And vs. 14 has been the text for many songs.


Last night I was out in the backyard with the poodles and I couldn't stop looking at the stars. They were so bright! I decided I need to buy a telescope so I can see more of them and maybe see the moons around Jupiter. That would be awesome. "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands."

Here's a little star-watching you can do yourself without buying a telescope.

I've decided to memorize the entire chapter. I'm going to memorize it from the Holman Christian Standard Version. If you want to join me in this challenge, I suggest you learn a few verses a day and then review and add another verse or two. Notice the three sections. That may help you in your memorization.

It will take a couple of weeks or so before I have the entire Psalm memorized. Ask me how much I've learned when you see me.

Here is Psalm 19 Holman Christian Standard  in case you want to memorize it with me.


1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands. 2 Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge. 3 There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard. 4 Their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the inhabited world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun. 5 It is like a groom coming from the bridal chamber; it rejoices like an athlete running a course. 6 It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat.
 
7 The instruction of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. 8 The precepts of the Lord are right, making the heart glad; the commandment of the Lord is radiant, making the eyes light up. 9 The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are reliable and altogether righteous. 10 They are more desirable than gold- than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey- than honey dripping  from the comb. 11 In addition, Your servant is warned by them; there is great reward in keeping them.
 
12 Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults. 13 Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule over me. Then I will be innocent, and cleansed from blatant rebellion. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer. 

3 comments:

Phyllis Hobson said...

I love this Psalm as well. There are certain verses that have been translated in The Message version that I especially love. Verse 6, "That's how God's Word vaults across the skies from sunrise to sunset, Melting ice, scorching deserts, warming hearts to faith." makes me think of the saying that Pastor Robertson has said "The same sun that melts the wax, hardens the clay." God's word can say different things are your heart is open to accept it.

I especially love the translation toward the end of "Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work;" (somewhere in verses 11-14). Yep, "stupid sins" - I know those! And every time I play the "what if" or "why, God?" game, it's me trying to think I can take over God's work. I had a good realization of that 8 years ago, but it's a lesson I still have to learn on occasion.

I love this Psalm, I want to try the challenge to memorize it (don't know what version I'll choose yet).

Irene said...

Phyllis, I am really appreciating and learning from your comments each day! Thank you!

Bro. Lyndel, all of the videos on this Psalm were exceptionally wonderful!!! Our God IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!

Phyllis Hobson said...

Thanks, Irene, I have liked hearing your thoughts, too!