Whispers of the Heart
Psalm 19:1-14
Intro - Psalm 19 has been called one of the noblest examples of Hebrew poetry in existence. C.S. Lewis called Psalm 19 “the greatest poem in the Bible.” This psalm was written by David while he was in the wilderness running from King Saul. It was written originally to be sung as a praise song. The Hebrew is graphic and stunning and shows David’s deep love for God and His creation. In Psalm 19, David shows how God reveals Himself to us. In verses 1-6, God makes Himself known through what theologians call “natural revelation.” Verses 7-14 God unveils Himself through “special revelation.” And in the last verse, we have a Messianic hint of God’s ultimate revelation – the Incarnation. (Jefferson Williams, sermoncentral.com). Let’s dig in and see what David was talking about.
1. God’s Works tell us He is there!
(…and He is way bigger than we are!)
Psalm 19:1-6 For the director of music. A psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 6 It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other; nothing is hidden from its heat.
-See Romans 1:19-20; Show L. Giglio clip from Passion series
2. God’s Word tells us how to live
(warning and reward)
Psalm 19:7-11 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
-The Law of God is not a bad thing. Sometimes the Law gets a bad rap. It simply means instruction. When you want to learn something, you receive instruction. The Bible is our life instruction manual (Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth).
-More than a bunch of rules, God spoke or breathed every word of Scripture. It came from His heart, His mind, His mouth! His words carry life! They revive the soul. They make us wise- even though we’re pretty simple. They give joy to our hearts! They are radiant and give light to our eyes. They are pure and last forever. They are reliable and sure and completely righteous. God’s words are better than all the wealth of this world. They are better than the best dining experience! They provide warnings for us to listen to. And when we obey them there is great reward! The favor and presence of God is the greatest reward we could ever obtain!
3. God’s Mercy redeems us
(forgiveness, preservation, relationship)
Psalm 19:12-14 12 Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me. Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression. 14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
-As sinful, weak humans, we often fail. We have blind spots and weaknesses which remind us that we need the Lord! We don’t have it all handled on our own! Some sins are hidden and some are right out in the open. It is only by the Lord’s grace that we will avoid the blatant willful sins.
-The fact is, we need a Redeemer! We need relationship with the living God! And that was made possible by Jesus coming to this earth as our Redeemer – the One who would purchase us at the cost of His own life. Jesus came to this earth to seek and to save those who were lost. He came to redeem us and free us from the tyranny of sin. And it is only with His help that we’ll be able to be blameless and innocent. It is only with His help that the words we say, and the whispers of our hearts will be acceptable or pleasing in His sight!
-God has revealed Himself to us. Just look at the sun, moon, stars, and planets! They speak to us of the God who is there! Just look at the Bible, the story of God and his great love for mankind. Just look at your own life in the light of God’s word and you will see how much you need Him! Have you called out to Him? Have you looked up through the stars and talked to your Redeemer? What’s going on in your heart? What are the whispers of your heart? Many would say, “I just want to be happy! I just want to be at peace!” I certainly understand and appreciate that. But I cannot stand here and tell you that God wants to redeem you so you will be happy. Even though I believe every true believer in Jesus Christ should have joy in their lives, Jesus didn’t die so you could be happy! He died so you could be alive!!! He died so you can be alive forever!
-Jesus came down to a cold, cruel world, not to enjoy a vacation and learn to be happy, but because we needed a Savior who would redeem us and save us! And that’s what He wants to do in your life today – if you’ll let Him!
-If you need to make things right with God right now, will you begin to talk to Him and ask Him to be your Redeemer? Will you ask Him to forgive you for the sins that have snuck up on you, and for the sins you committed even though you knew they were wrong? (1 Jn. 1:9).
-May the words of my mouth, and the meditation or whisperings of my heart be acceptable and pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer!
