The Lodestar

The starry sky over a village on a night is a treat for the eyes, but the city's sky, polluted with light from automobiles, streetlights, and high-rise buildings, dims this view. Stunned by this display, the psalmist lying on his back outside his house muses: “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork” (Psa 19:1). In the day, he watches the sun rising in the East and moving to the West, lightning, and warming the earth (Psa 19:4—6). The creation is a witness to the splendour of its creator.

The psalmist's musings wander to another revelation of the creator of the universe in the second part of the Psalm (Psa 19:7—14). It is the Bible, the revelation of God’s will, that he gave to his people to know him and follow him. “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Psa 19:7).

The Scripture, where God’s will is revealed, does far more than what the sun, moon, and stars could do. While the constellation lights up, warms, and makes life possible on this blue planet, real life with God is only possible through God's Word.

The Word of God imparts wisdom (v. 7), brings gladness to the human heart (v.8), and is most desirable. “More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb” (Psa 19:10). It is more desirable than scanning the starry sky or enjoying the cool of the cheesy moon or warming up in the Sun on a beach. The Word of God makes life with God richer as we ponder the truths in its pages.

Nature reveals God, but the Word of God goes deeper. It shows us how to draw closer to the Creator as it guides us along God's path, warning us when our feet stray from the path of life (Psalm 19:11).

By tracing the journey of his thoughts from creation to the Word of the Creator, the Psalmist invites us to delve into the Word and cherish it, thereby growing in wisdom.

Make God’s Word your daily guide. Let it revive your soul, bring you wisdom, and brighten your heart more than anything else. Spend time reading and meditating on Scripture, allowing it to correct your path and deepen your faith. Ask God to make your words and thoughts pleasing to him, and share this truth with someone today.

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