Psalm 19:7-14

The Law of the Lord

We are all familiar with “Natural Law” (think gravity, e.g.) and “Criminal Law” (think speed limits, e.g.). Disregarding either can damage our wellbeing. But what is this “Law of the Lord” which the Psalmist lauds?

It is Law that comes not from nature or government but from God. We see it codified in the Ten Commandments revealed to Moses and summarized by Jesus (Matt. 22: 37-40) in the “Greatest” and “Second” Commandments to love God and neighbor.

As we imperil ourselves by violating natural or criminal law, so we risk damaging our lives by failing to obey the Law of God, the revealed reliable roadmap to human health and wholeness. Gifted with the Law and assured of its truth and its many benefits (7-9: renewal of spirit; wisdom; joy; enlightenment), we may well follow the Psalmist’s honest self-examination (11-13) with our own, asking in these Lenten days how far we have missed the mark of sacrificial love and seeking the grace to improve our aim.

                                                                                                                  —Francis Fike

Psalm 19:1-6

Sunset at the hook of Sandy Point, mouth of the Great Wicomico River in Virginia -- by Lynn Lennon

God’s Glory in Creation and the Law

To the leader. A Psalm of David.

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.

Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.

Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.

There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world.

—Stephanie Croom