David rises early to be with his God. As he walks the palace grounds, he is delighted by the sound of the birds, who are already singing praises to their creator. The trees register their approval, leaves rustling applause in the gentle breeze. Meanwhile the stars above begin to surrender their majestic posts to the morning sun. David pauses. Enthralled by the majesty of his surroundings, he breaks into worship:

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

He lingers in the moment, exulting in nature’s praise. Slowly, perceptibly,
the dawn’s breath against his face begins to warm as the sun ascends to its
daily reign in the sky. David is further inspired:

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens

and makes its circuit to the other;

nothing is hidden from its heat.

David meditates upon the majestic scene before him. He discerns divine purpose in the sun’s movement across the sky –it is governed by one greater than itself. This royalty of the heavens obeys the physical laws of God.

What about me? David ponders. What governs my conduct, my movements? What rule sets my course in life? David’s worship-saturated mind now turns towards God’s law. If the sun is governed by physical laws of nature, then surely there must be a divine rule for mankind as well:

The law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure

and altogether righteous.

Only God’s law is perfectly sufficient to govern a man’s life and conduct. In light of this, David discerns that God’s Word is of utmost value, a treasure beyond anything in his palace:

They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the comb.

Having meditated upon the law, David begins to grapple with the implications for his own life. God’s perfect law sets the boundaries for his life. Maintaining vigilance promises to yield reward:

By them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

This reflection reveal an important distinction between him and the
rest of God’s creation –they always obey God’s purposes: the sun never strays from its divine course. But kingd David knows that this is not true of him. He understands that he
has sinned. He is capable of wandering, departing from God’s designs for his life. He is moved to confession and supplication:

Who can discern his errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

Then will I be blameless,

innocent of great transgression.

Amen, David. Amen.

Originally posted on disciplebits.com