In this 2-week reading plan, we are assuming a posture of thanksgiving before the Lord by meditating on ten Psalms of Gratitude. Rather than provide a written response to each Psalm, we have offered a simple yet meaningful activity designed to help us recall God’s mercies to us and through time. So grab a journal, and let’s create our own songs of thanksgiving to God.
Psalm 19
The Witness of Creation and Scripture
For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.
Day after day they pour out speech;
night after night they communicate knowledge.
There is no speech; there are no words;
their voice is not heard.
Their message has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.
It is like a groom coming from the bridal chamber;
it rejoices like an athlete running a course.
It rises from one end of the heavens
and circles to their other end;
nothing is hidden from its heat.
The instruction of the Lord is perfect,
renewing one’s life;
the testimony of the Lord is trustworthy,
making the inexperienced wise.
The precepts of the Lord are right,
making the heart glad;
the command of the Lord is radiant,
making the eyes light up.
The fear of the Lord is pure,
enduring forever;
the ordinances of the Lord are reliable
and altogether righteous.
They are more desirable than gold—
than an abundance of pure gold;
and sweeter than honey,
which comes from the honeycomb.
In addition, Your servant is warned by them;
there is great reward in keeping them.
Who perceives his unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
Moreover, keep Your servant from willful sins;
do not let them rule over me.
Then I will be innocent
and cleansed from blatant rebellion.
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable to You,
Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Dig Deeper:
God’s Word is true and complete! As you engage with verses 12-14, give thanks to God for His perfect Word that leads us to confession and repentance, restores us, and makes our hearts glad. Fill in the blanks as you pray the prayer below.
Who perceives my unintentional sins?
Cleanse me from _______________________.
Moreover, keep me from _______________________.
Do not let them rule over me.
Then I will be innocent and cleansed from blatant rebellion.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to You, Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.
Let my words and thoughts be pleasing to You ❤️
The Lords grace can do it!
ALL YA’LL FINE LADIES- just a quick thank you for your support and prayer and thoughts and kind words… If I’m not dropping off/picking up, making dinner or getting kids to bed, i’ve been in front of this darn computer doing school and i’m a bit “DONE.” yet I’m not, bc clearly it’s 8:35p and I just opened the computer back up to try and get some more project work done before crashing.
It’s been BEYOND a blessing to read your take on the Scriptures and your updates and your prayers and comments today.
Was a fun little treat to take small breaks and check back in various times today… oddly like I was checking in with what my friends were up to- lol! :) :) :) LOVE. YOU ALL! ❤️
KATIE L – I’m with you on the morning thing! I told someone recently that one of the great gifts of motherhood was that I was forcibly turned into a morning person! ;) Suddenly I realized exactly what you said – I had so much more clarity and focus and intention in my day when I started it with time in His word! Praying for you to be able to still be able to find a few early minutes to settle in to time with JUST you and your Creator :)
Today it is “Forever” by Chris Tomlin in my head and in my heart! “His love endures forever, sing praise!” ❤️
I am feeling the impacts of this psalm this week – there was a period of a few weeks where my 2 year old was waking up at 5 every morning. In an effort to keep him from waking up the rest of the house i’d bring him into the family room and pop on the TV for him while I sleepily snuggled into my SRT for the day. Finding time in the morning to be in the word has always been a struggle for me and I could clearly see how heavily improved my days were by having that time created for me (as much as I loathed being up so early!). For the last week or so my 2 year old has been sleeping until 7! I’m grateful for a more normal wake up time but so missing that “built in” quiet time. If you dear sisters could pray that I will have the discipline to hold time for the Lord in the morning? I’ve been part of SRT for years but have been too shy to join in the comments. I have been so encouraged by how you see and support each other daily ❤️ thank you for making this community what it is!
Good morning she’s, so happy to see we all gather here. There is something so comforting about seeing your names. Thank you Heidi!
Today’s psalm is just so magnificent. I had to re-read in different versions, and I am still in awe. The nature speaks about God without language, yet, they speak. You know how us humans have a body language, that speaks without words, and can be perceived. Like a charisma of a person, they can influence and persuade without words… and in same way, the works of God speak LOUDLY about the Creator, who is detailed and incredibly intelligent about His creations in vast matters. When I go to garden centers, I am amazed at vast variety of plants.
And then us, the crown of His creation….“Secret faults” and “wilful sins”. He knows, inside out, He made allowance for our mistakes. The grace of God is inexhaustible, He never gives up on us. I am just super thankful. By keeping His teachings, there is a generous reward. By learning His word, we are warned of the traps/snares in life. By knowing His testimony, the simple are made wise (I love this!). What more can one want right? Praise the Lord for His goodness.
Lord, cleanse me from bitterness, resentment and negative mindset. Keep me from tears, depression and all evil. Lord, guard the words of my mouth to be edifying to the hearers and the meditation of my heart pleasing/acceptable to you.
Praying for you dear sisters ..HEIDI (strong finish of your semester and vacation), Sarah D (job), Taylor (busy work, I saw her post on the other study plan), Sharon (lovely refreshing trip in Paris), praying for you she’s and families for your summer vacay/getaways – may God provide time off, funding, good health, good company, nice weather, excitement and safe travels. Hugs and blessings to you all dear lovelies.
Be blessed dear sisters.
I love seeing all your names here :) @Heidi this devotional pick was so God. Love it!!!
This psalm spoke so much to me about how like the sun and the sky, an artist’s painting can express the voice of the artist without them being present. One of my closest believer friends is a painter, so I sent her that as an encouragement – as she feels called to make her living from the art God puts inside her. She is truly gifted in so many ways… all for His glory :)
@Heidi I do hope you get to go to Ireland. God will lead your adventure, as you continue to surrender your plans to Him :)
@Sharon Jersey Girl– I’m so loving the pictures you have been posting. It’s so nice to see God’s blessing over your lives as you and your husband vacation. God is kind to you!!! enjoy your time there!!
@Sarah D- praying your faith increases as you job search. God has a plan for you. Trust that and don’t believe the enemy’s lies that He would forsake you in anyway. All things work together for your good and for His glory!
@Molly R- thankful for your post today :) May God continue to bless you and your household with wisdom and peace.
@Searching– love to hear how God is sending people to proclaim Him on reality TV- or the competition shows. I know a lot of unbelievers watch the Voice!!! God is good. May His name be known!!!
@Kelly Neo, Cee Gee, Lisa Z, Rhonda J, Theresa, Kimberly Z, Sue Dalos, Annie, Mercy, Katie L, Shar, Cindy Hanna, Donna Wolcott, Rachel, Gramsiesue, Martha Hix, and all the other present Shes not written— so glad to be with you all. Love you sisters <3 God's blessing and goodness over our lives and present to our eyes. Thank you, Lord.
HEIDI – SO THANKFUL again that you took on the organization for this gathering!!!
I am echoing SEARCHING’S most excellent prayer for you, Ryan, and the kids! God, I thank You for this precious sister and her faithful example/encouragement and humbly ask that You pour out Your mercy, grace, and wisdom in this critical time of Heidi’s life. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
What a beautiful Psalm and meditation today!