Psalm 19:1 – The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handywork.

David is to me one of the most fascinating characters of God’s story. He was dynamic—a great warrior and inspiring leader, but also a true artist in expression. And as beautiful as his Psalms are when translated into English—or Spanish, I can’t help but wonder what it will be like to watch him play his harp and sing them again one day on the New Earth.

Psalm 19 is one of his most loved psalms, with good reason. Try to picture two very different Davids spending a day together in God’s creation and admiring the same sun rise and set. I say: “Wow, that was amazing sunrise/sunset… God sure loves beauty!” The other David responds:

“The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament showeth his handywork.
Day unto day uttereth speech,
and night unto night showeth 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.”

Boy I wish I could express my thoughts like that! I have the impression David composed this Psalm one day while tending his sheep. He was awestruck by the sky God had painted that day. Having grown up in mountains of Spain, I have many times experienced similarly overwhelming moments. Let me quickly share a few pictures I’ve found. These are all close by in the area I live in. I think you’ll see what I mean…

Click those pictures to see them larger. That feeling of wonder is what David felt.

Here is a quick summary of Psalm 19. Notice the David’s logical progression and response.

vv. 1-6 – Creation reveals God’s character
vv. 7-11 – Scripture reveals man’s character
vv. 12-14 – David prays for a change of character

Creation reflects its Creator. That’s why every single thing God makes is beautiful. And although we as men persist in marring perfection with sin, nature remains a clear testimony of God’s own nature.

So…

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight,
O Lord, my Strength, and my Redeemer.