alignment for living

Psalm 19 helps us get "aligned for living".  It starts with a magnificent declaration of the wonder and beauty of nature and how all of creation reflects God's artistry and personality and sovereignty (verses 1-6).  It goes on to give us many reasons why we should listen to God's instructions...His Word to us (verses 7-11).  God's instructions are perfect and so they are reliable. It is through His word that we are born again to spiritual life (verse 7).  After coming to new life we need wisdom for living (also in verse 7 and verse 8).  Beyond wisdom we find the abundant life of joy from this relationship and these instructions (verse 8).  As a result of our new life and our experience of walking in grace, insight and joy we turn to God in reverent awe and gratitude (verse 9).   God's word is altogether sweet, like honey, and serves both as a warning and a reward.  His word is the very definition of what is "true" (verses 9-11).   David has learned that his tendency to sin and to sway from following God can only be counteracted by listening to this sweet and true and corrective and instructive word of God.  Frequent and ongoing interaction is necessary! (verses 12-13).

David ends not by talking about God's word but by talking about his own words when he prays that his words and thoughts be so affected by God's words and thoughts that he is brought into alignment with God...the one who has saved Him and is his rock of strength and stability.

Rob Smith

Psalm 19:1 

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding.
    It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race.
6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens
    and follows its course to the other end.
    Nothing can hide from its heat.

7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect,
    reviving the soul.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy,
    making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right,
    bringing joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are clear,
    giving insight for living.
9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,
    lasting forever.
The laws of the Lord are true;
    each one is fair.
10 They are more desirable than gold,
    even the finest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
    even honey dripping from the comb.
11 They are a warning to your servant,
    a great reward for those who obey them.

12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
    Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
    Don't let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
    and innocent of great sin.

14 May the words of my mouth
    and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.