The Glory of God Is Revealed

What moves you to sing? Is it the clock that signals the end of a long work day, the child that wants you to sing to them before bed, the celebration of a milestone in life, or the spouse you hold so dear? All of these are good reasons to sing, but Scripture gives us a better reason. In Psalm 19 we learn that God’s people are to join a song that has already begun. Creation, special revelation, and redemption declare the glory of God. 

Creation Proclaims the Glory of God

Psalm 19 begins by teaching us three things about creation’s testimony of God’s glory. First, it is ongoing. The heavens never stop declaring the glory of God (v. 1). Second, it is overflowing. Like a bubbling spring, the constancy of days and nights gives glory to God (v. 2). Finally, it is outgoing. The testimony of creation to God’s glory goes out to the entire world (v. 3). The Almighty God reigns over all His creation, declaring earth is but a mere “tent for the sun” (Ps. 19:4).

Scripture tells us that “all things were created through [Christ] and for [Christ]. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col. 1:16-17). It should be of great comfort to the believer that we are held in the powerful love of Christ. He is over all things, yet knows us by name. Such majesty mixed with intimacy is more breathtaking than the most gorgeous sunset you’ve ever seen. God’s creation points us to a greater Son who is worthy of all our worship and praise.

Revelation Proclaims the Glory of God

God’s general revelation comes by way of creation; but His special revelation comes through the Word of God. In Psalm 19:7-11 David tells us six things about Scripture. First, it is “perfect” (v. 7). We need not look anywhere else for sustenance. Second, it is “sure” (v. 7). God’s Word is our steady guide through all of life. Third, it is “right” (v. 8). God’s Word makes straight paths for our feet and we can continually rejoice in his trustworthiness. Fourth, it is “pure” (v. 8). Scripture opens our eyes to see clearly in the midst of worldliness. Fifth, it is “clean” (v. 9). The good news of the gospel is that Christ has “cleansed” us “by the washing of water with the word” (Eph. 5:26). Sixth, the word of God is “true” (v. 9). In a world that promotes lies, it is a comfort to know Scripture contains absolute truth. Such truth tastes better than honey and trumps the treasures of this world. Revelation is not to be ignored, but stored in our hearts. The two roads from which we choose, the way of the righteous or the way of the rebellious, have different ends. The way of the rebellious ends in eternal separation from the Creator and Redeemer; the way of the righteous ends in eternal communion with Him.

Christ is “the Word” that “became flesh and dwelt among us” to reveal God’s glory (John 1:14). He is perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and our greatest treasure. As those who are united by faith to the living Word, we are to give great time and attention to the written Word. We cannot walk the road of righteousness apart from it. It will keep us immersed in right thinking so that we don’t succumb to the sweets of this world, but stay steadfast in the sweetness of Scripture that shows us our Savior.

Redemption Proclaims the Glory of God

As much as David marveled at God’s creation, and meditated upon His revelation, he also mourned over his sin. This “man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Sam. 13:14) recognized that he could not “discern his errors” (Ps. 19:12). He was also aware that he had “hidden faults” in the recesses of his heart that he had never even acknowledged (v. 12). In addition, he understood the danger of “presumptuous sins” (v. 13), like when he committed adultery with Bathsheba and ordered the murder of Uriah (see 2 Sam. 11). In light of God’s creation and revelation, David appropriately closes this psalm on the note of redemption.

Apart from God’s salvation, the knowledge of His creation and revelation would terrify us. We are all guilty of great transgression and need someone to declare us innocent. How can the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be acceptable in God’s sight when we are filled with hidden faults and presumptuous sins? Only when we repent of our sin and believe that Christ is “my Rock and my Redeemer” (Ps. 19:14) will we be declared innocent of great transgression.“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21).

Do you need a reason to sing? In the midst of the mundane, the valley of sorrow and suffering, or the sting of shame, you may feel you have no reason to sing. But Psalm 19 tells us differently. Today, let the truth of God’s creation, revelation and redemption be the reason you sing.               

Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a Reformed author, wife, homeschooling mom, Bible study teacher, and conference speaker who lives in Matthews, North Carolina, and is a member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA). To learn more, please visit www.sarahivill.com.