We are back in the Psalms this morning, reading some of the most poetic language ever put down by pen. David takes us on a journey through the majesty of the heavens to God’s mastery over the heathen. He concludes with the help he finds from meditating on the Word of God.
Notice what David says about God’s handiwork in the heavens.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? (Psalm 8:3–4, NLT)
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. (Psalm 19:1, NLT)
David was in awe of the night sky. As he looked up, he saw a display of God’s overwhelming awesomeness. It comforted David, excited David, humbled David, and strengthened David. A God this big, this awesome, this powerful, this majestic—this God was interested in him, this God knew him, and this God gave man charge over all He made. Wow! How unworthy is man, and how good is God! As David spent years on the run from Saul, living in and out of caves in the wilderness, God taught him to look up and appreciate the beauty and majesty only seen in the night watches of life.
David’s pen then describes God’s mastery over the heathen. On the one hand, David describes in Psalm 10:4-7 how the wicked appear to succeed in everything they do as they curse the God that has given them life. Oh yes, this has frustrated many saints as the wicked seem to prosper while the righteous and the poor suffer! In Psalm 10:13 (NLT), David asks, Why do the wicked get away with despising God? But then David is reminded of what even history has proven over and over, as empires have come and gone, that God judges the wicked and all the nations that forget God (Psalm 9:3-6, 15-18). No, the wicked do not get away with their wickedness! God has mastery over them! He is sovereign, and He rules in the affairs of men (Daniel 4:17).
Lastly, David touches on the help he found in meditating on the Word of God (Psalm 19:7-9). The Word of God revived his soul many times, giving him wisdom, rejoicing his heart, and opening his eyes to a realm bigger than his situation. It blessed him with the purity and the cleanliness one experiences when reverencing God. This David desired more than fine gold; it was sweeter than honey dripping from the comb and greatly rewarded his life (Psalm 19:10-11).
As believers living in an increasingly wicked and turbulent world, let us be reminded through David’s testimony to keep our eyes and heads up! There is great majesty and beauty in that direction! Let us be reminded that the ungodly will not prosper in their wickedness but that God has mastery over them and all the nations of the earth. May our hearts and affections be revived by the Word of God, rejoicing in wisdom and perspective that can only come as we meditate on our great Helper!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Psalms 6; 8-10; 14; 16; 19; 21.