"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:1-14)

          David was a student of both nature and the written word of God. He saw God and His power in nature and he understood God from His inspired word. Together, these two sources provide us with a wonderful understanding of God. David had great faith in God as the Creator. He had the same kind of faith in the revealed word of God. He had a deep understanding of God's power, God's grace and the problem of sin. David was a man who was truly interested in the salvation of his soul.

          The power of God -- Psalm 19:1-6: David had written, "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." (Psalms 14:1) It takes a very foolish mind to honestly look at creation and then say "There is no God." The heavens cry out that there is a God and He is the powerful God who created the heavens and earth. The picture is beautiful. The heavens just keep on declaring God's wonders, both simple and complex thing are under the control of His hand. The sky cries out concerning God creative power. The idea expressed by David is amazing. Each day informs the next day and each night announces to the next night that there is a powerful God in heaven. They do not speak a word but their voice is always heard. Their message travels all over the earth announcing that there is a God in heaven! David specifically mentions the place that the sun has in God's creation. ''In the heavens a tent is set up for the sun. It rises like a bridegroom and gets ready like a hero eager to run a race. It travels all the way across the sky. Nothing hides from its heat." We should also place our emphasis on the "Son" of God.

          The power of God's law -- Psalm 19:7-11: David saw God in nature, but even more he understood God through His written word. Nature introduces us to God, but from the written revelation the knowledge of how to go to heaven is gained. David set forth six effects or qualities of the word of God. The law of the LORD (1) Converts the soul, (2) Makes wise the simple, (3) Rejoices the heart, (4) Enlightens the eyes, (5) Endures forever, and (6) "The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous." Our relationship with God can come only through obedience to His word. God's Law is perfect. It brings life to those who will obey. The simplest man alive can be wise through the word of God. The things we learn from God's word change our life for the better. This word brings you the joy of a clean conscience. With God you walk in the light and not in the darkness of the world. It is a good thing to fear God and keep his commandments!

          The power of a righteous life -- Psalm 19:12-14: The wise respond to God revelation by making a personal self-examination. Paul wrote, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" (2 Corinthians 13:5) Self-examination might overlook some things so David asked God to forgive his secret or hidden sins. These were not sins he was trying to hide from God but sins that he was unaware of himself. We need forgiveness even for those sins that we do not know. David prayed to God to help him resist willful sins. These can so easily take control of a person. It is better to be kept form the sin than to have to get forgiveness later. David ended the psalm with an amazing prayer: "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."