Psalm 19

Psalm 19:1-4, 7-10, 14

 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their sound has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world….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 forever; 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…Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.

 The two revelations are mentioned in this passage.  God has revealed Himself, first through creation.  All of creation, from the tiniest ant to the great oak tree, speaks of a Creator.  No place on earth is void of God’s general revelation through Creation. Although we may see that there is a God through creation, we cannot know Who that God is unless He reveal Himself through the Bible. 

David describes God’s Word as perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and righteous.  He also identifies those things the Bible does: converts the soul, makes one wise, brings forth rejoicing, opens eyes, endures forever, and is desired more than gold.  If God’s Word is all of those things, what about my words? I cringe with embarrassment as I replay only a few conversations from today.  The tone of my voice has been harsh and critical.  I have not been pure or clean, true or righteous with all of my words today.  What about you?  Are your words hurtful or helpful?  Are they testy or true? 

 The people that we love the most are often the most hurt by our words.  I am convicted greatly in this area of my life.  I do not build my children and husband up with my words as much as I should.  I fuss, complain, and criticize far too often during the day.  My words are a reflection of my heart. The Psalmist knew this as well.  Verse 14: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.  What pours forth from our mouths is a reflection of what is bubbling in our hearts.  Meditating on what is acceptable to God is the key to having acceptable speech.

What is bubbling around in your heart?  Is it thoughts of discontentment?  Are thoughts and feelings of inadequacies poisoning your soul?  Is it bitterness or hatred?  What you think about will ultimately be what you talk about.    If you find in yourself a negative speech pattern, look at your heart.  The source for that negative speech is found in your heart. 

When our hearts are acceptable to the Lord, our speech will be as well. (Gal. 5:22-23)