Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: Psalm 19

The great Christian theologian, St. Augustine, articulated an idea that was held by a number of early “Church Fathers”, when he wrote that there are in fact two holy books by which God is revealed to us – the Book of Nature and the Book of Scripture. Psalm 19 appears to give poetic expression to this concept too. In v.1-6 the Psalm celebrates the book of nature, and in v.7-11 the book of Scripture – the “Law of the Lord”.

As we ponder the Glory of God in Creation this week, Psalm 19:1 is a magnificent example of our central truth. It says:

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.“

It would be a mistake to gaze at the magnificence of a sunset, the mystery of the Milky Way in the night sky, the faithful cycles of the moon, the creeping light of dawn, the blazing glory of the sunrise, the artistic beauty of the clouds, the awesome power of a thunderstorm, or the blinding brilliance of the sun without turning our hearts to worship the Creator, for all of His magnificence, mystery, faithfulness, silent presence, glorious beauty, awesome power or blinding brilliance. Just as an artwork is the creative expression of the artist, giving us a glimpse into their soul, Creation is God’s artwork, revealing glimpses of His glory to us.

Whatever the weather in your neck of the woods today, look for the glory of God in Creation. Lift your eyes from the anxious pressures of your day or the lonely struggles of the night, and gaze up to the skies and the heavens, and let what you see there lift your heart to worship the Lord in all His beauty.

I worship You, beautiful LORD, so gloriously revealed in Your beautiful world. Holy Spirit, help me to see the glory of the LORD in the heavens more clearly today, and incline my heart to worship Him for all that I behold there. Amen.