Showing posts with label Psalm 19. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalm 19. Show all posts
Monday, June 2, 2025
Psalm Meditation 1303
¶Pentecost
¶June 8, 2025
¶Psalm 19
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2030&version=NRSVUE
¶When a maker displays a piece of art or craft of any kind, the skill level involved is on display. The piece itself speaks volumes of the skills and care taken by the maker. There is no need to ask about the quality of the piece, because the piece itself proclaims the handiwork of the maker. Something mass produced from lesser quality materials can be adequate for our needs, however a carefully handcrafted piece can be more than adequate, as well as a thing of beauty. A soulful piece of art, a item of handcrafted furniture, a hand-pieced quilt, and a masterfully grilled piece of brisket to name a few, are head and shoulders above a utilitarian project.
¶The psalmist rejoices in the glorious work of the hand of God in the various parts of Creation. The route of the sun throughout the day is a masterwork, worthy of our praise and thanks to God. In addition to the physical creation, God has given us the law. The law is more than rules to be followed blindly, it is the narrative of our relationship with God and each other at our best, worst, and everywhere in between. The law is instruction on how to treat ourselves, those we know and love, as well as those we would rather ignore.
¶As we look around today and beyond, the psalmist encourages us to see the beauty that is all around us; beauty that comes from skillful attention to detail. The beauty can be directly from God as we admire the beauty of the earth and environs, and it can be from the makers among us who strive for quality in their work. Some makers want their work to be noticed while others want to have their work so skillfully integrated into our routine that we do not notice the knowledge, skill, and creativity that makes their work disappear into the fabric of our lives.
¶June 2, 2025
¶LCM
Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Psalm Meditation 1147
¶Trinity Sunday
¶June 12, 2022
¶Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 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,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens and its circuit to the end of them, and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect one’s own errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(NRSV)
¶I have learned that the things that annoy and anger us the most in others are the things that we ourselves do without owning the action. We can cluck our tongues at those who do the things on our list, and never notice that we may have just done that very thing. These are among “one’s own errors,” from which the psalmist asks to be clear. Is it even possible to be cleared of all those sins we commit without noticing them in ourselves?
¶The psalmist includes a list of ways to keep ourselves as pure as possible in the presence of God. They are various ways of exhorting us to learn and live the laws, decrees, precepts, commandments, fear, and ordinances of God. Each of these are synonyms for the ways God wants us to live as people and children of God. As we learn and, more importantly, incorporate God’s instruction into our daily lives, we become our best selves in the world.
¶Rather than spending our energy scolding and clucking our tongues at those around us, as they violate the teachings of God, we do well to look to our selves. If we must concentrate on others, what is it about their actions that annoys us, how am I guilty of the same thing, and what shall I do instead? “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.”
¶June 8, 2022
¶LCM
Monday, May 10, 2021
Psalm Meditation 1091
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 16, 2021
Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 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,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer
(NRSV)
When we think of laws, there are a couple of directions our thoughts wander. Laws are present to protect us from the kinds of people who have no respect for others and their property. Laws are to protect us from people who don’t follow rules. Another way we look at laws is the way they intrude on our lives in inconvenient ways. Things like speed limits and no parking signs are fine when we are following the laws, however, when we are in a hurry speed limits are for others, no parking signs are in order to reserve a spot for those brave enough to park there anyway. We have a love/hate relationship with laws and rules.
The psalmist tells us that laws, especially the laws of God, are a source of pleasure for those who follow them. Our own tendency is to resist laws and rules that are phrased in the negative. In the case of God’s laws the negatives are there as boundaries. ‘Here is a limit it is not safe to pass.’ There is always someone who steps across the line just to make sure, who touches where it says ‘wet paint’ just to see if it has been there longer than necessary. ‘Since God and I are such good buddies, I am certainly exempt from this law and its consequences.’ Honestly, it is more fulfilling to stay in bounds in order to enjoy a relationship with God.
We can probably name the laws and rules that other people break more easily than we can name those we break ourselves. When we break a rule, we can hear the justification for it ringing in our head or heart. Rather than zeroing in on the broken rule, we emphasize the justification. We don’t know why others break the rules, only that they do, so we can afford to be more harsh with them on their ‘crime.’ The psalmist reminds us that we have our hidden faults for which we can be forgiven, especially if we ask. One of those hidden faults is our double standard of excusing our own faults while hoping others get caught and punished for their own. To help keep us from the double standard the psalmist ends with the familiar phrase, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
May 10, 2021
LCM
Monday, August 3, 2015
Psalm Meditation 790
Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
August 9, 2015
Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 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,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(NRSV)
We have a tendency to push back against rules, regulations and guidelines. It is as if rules exist for the sole purpose of keeping us from doing what we want to do. When someone we don’t like breaks the rules we are quick to pounce on them and call them to account for their actions. (Tom Brady, as an example.) When someone we do like breaks the rules we are quick to celebrate the rebellious spirit still alive and kicking in our day and time. We notice the rules most as we bump up against them; when our desires are at odds with them.
The law, decrees, precepts and commandment of God teach us how to relate to God and to each other as people of God. Rules are the backbone of a relationship. They give it structure. They guide us in how we are going to get along when all is well and when all is not well. Even in a workplace in which the two rules are: 1. The boss is always right. 2. If the boss is wrong see rule 1, we know where we stand in relation to the boss, like it or not. The psalmist knows that the rules God sets for us are to make this relationship possible and understandable. God’s rules tend to be boundary type rules, here is the line we are not to overstep because of the damage it can do to a relationship with God or someone else.
A colleague of mine said, “Rules were made to be guidelines.” They set some boundaries and leave others hazy so we can work together for the best way forward. As we live into the rules we discover that some that seem hard and fast have some wiggle room in them, while some that seem porous are reasonable solid. Following the rules to the exclusion of relationships gives one a goody two shoes reputation. Following the rules for the sake of relationships is, “more to be desired ... than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.”
August 3, 2015
LCM
Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time
August 9, 2015
Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 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,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.
(NRSV)
We have a tendency to push back against rules, regulations and guidelines. It is as if rules exist for the sole purpose of keeping us from doing what we want to do. When someone we don’t like breaks the rules we are quick to pounce on them and call them to account for their actions. (Tom Brady, as an example.) When someone we do like breaks the rules we are quick to celebrate the rebellious spirit still alive and kicking in our day and time. We notice the rules most as we bump up against them; when our desires are at odds with them.
The law, decrees, precepts and commandment of God teach us how to relate to God and to each other as people of God. Rules are the backbone of a relationship. They give it structure. They guide us in how we are going to get along when all is well and when all is not well. Even in a workplace in which the two rules are: 1. The boss is always right. 2. If the boss is wrong see rule 1, we know where we stand in relation to the boss, like it or not. The psalmist knows that the rules God sets for us are to make this relationship possible and understandable. God’s rules tend to be boundary type rules, here is the line we are not to overstep because of the damage it can do to a relationship with God or someone else.
A colleague of mine said, “Rules were made to be guidelines.” They set some boundaries and leave others hazy so we can work together for the best way forward. As we live into the rules we discover that some that seem hard and fast have some wiggle room in them, while some that seem porous are reasonable solid. Following the rules to the exclusion of relationships gives one a goody two shoes reputation. Following the rules for the sake of relationships is, “more to be desired ... than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.”
August 3, 2015
LCM
Monday, May 14, 2012
Psalm Meditation 622
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 20, 2012
Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 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,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
(NRSV)
There is something about rules that drive many of us crazy. It seems to be the idea of rules, rather than the rules themselves that drive us nuts. Imagine playing sports without rules. How would we know who won and lost since place and method of scoring are among the rules. We chafe against the rules, however when someone breaks the rules we cry out that it is not fair, especially if the rule breaker is not on our team. As children and youth we long for the day we can be done with school and home so that we no longer have to live and work by someone else’s rules. As we go out on our own we begin to realize that the rules of childhood are simply a foretaste of the rules we will have as adults.
In this psalm the psalmist is actually celebrating the rules God has set out for us. These rules set the boundaries of our relationship with God and with each other. They are good. God’s rules keep us from doing some things that would hurt other folks. God’s rules allow us tremendous freedom within the bounds of those rules. God’s rules end up making our lives easier and more challenging all at the same time.
We can embrace the rules as the psalmist has, we can reject and rebel against the rules as some folks seem to do or we can push on the edges of the rules sometimes within their confines and sometimes from just outside. God knows that the rules are there to make our lives easier. When we choose to ignore the rules, our lives will be painful. When we live inside the rules as if they are a prison, our lives will be boring. When we live with the rules in a sense of active engagement we will find life and help and hope in the relationship that is formed.
© May 14, 2012
Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 20, 2012
Psalm 19
1 The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
4 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,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom from his wedding canopy, and like a strong man runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and nothing is hid from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12 But who can detect their errors? Clear me from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from the insolent; do not let them have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
(NRSV)
There is something about rules that drive many of us crazy. It seems to be the idea of rules, rather than the rules themselves that drive us nuts. Imagine playing sports without rules. How would we know who won and lost since place and method of scoring are among the rules. We chafe against the rules, however when someone breaks the rules we cry out that it is not fair, especially if the rule breaker is not on our team. As children and youth we long for the day we can be done with school and home so that we no longer have to live and work by someone else’s rules. As we go out on our own we begin to realize that the rules of childhood are simply a foretaste of the rules we will have as adults.
In this psalm the psalmist is actually celebrating the rules God has set out for us. These rules set the boundaries of our relationship with God and with each other. They are good. God’s rules keep us from doing some things that would hurt other folks. God’s rules allow us tremendous freedom within the bounds of those rules. God’s rules end up making our lives easier and more challenging all at the same time.
We can embrace the rules as the psalmist has, we can reject and rebel against the rules as some folks seem to do or we can push on the edges of the rules sometimes within their confines and sometimes from just outside. God knows that the rules are there to make our lives easier. When we choose to ignore the rules, our lives will be painful. When we live inside the rules as if they are a prison, our lives will be boring. When we live with the rules in a sense of active engagement we will find life and help and hope in the relationship that is formed.
© May 14, 2012
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