by Pete Jansen
In Psalm 19 David invites us to gaze upward at the heavens and inward toward the soul offering a powerful contrast between God’s creation and God’s Word, and how both are meant to draw us closer to Him.
I love the Psalms. Much of what I’ve come to know about God—His nature, His faithfulness, the power and reward of His Word—I’ve learned through the Psalms.
The Sky Speaks
The Psalm begins:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork…” (Psalm 19:1)
David, the author of this psalm and a man after God’s own heart, reminds us that creation itself preaches a sermon every day and night. It’s a message that transcends borders and languages. The sky, the sun, the stars—they’re all declaring something: There is a Creator!
Are we listening to the message that creation is proclaiming? For all our ambition to reach space, many have missed the very purpose of it: to reveal the glory of God.
The Word Speaks Louder
Starting in verse 7, David shifts focus:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul…”
God’s Word isn’t just truth—it’s transformational truth.
· It converts the soul
· It makes the simple wise
· It rejoices the heart
· It enlightens the eyes
· It endures forever
· It is true and righteous altogether
This is no ordinary book. The Bible is the voice of God in written form. It has the power to change lives—your life. And yet, sadly, many believers treat the Bible like a book of helpful suggestions rather than the very words of God.
Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 that all Scripture is breathed out by God. That’s how creation came into existence—by His Word. And that same power now resides in the Bible.
Hearing, Reading, Meditating, Memorizing
Here’s something to chew on:
· We remember 5% of what we hear
· 15% of what we read
· 35% of what we meditate on
· And 100% of what we memorize
Psalm 119 tells us:
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11)
Memorizing Scripture is like storing spiritual ammunition. It’s always ready, always within reach, and always life-giving.
God’s Word Is a Treasure
David writes:
“More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:10)
The Bible isn’t just a guidebook. It’s a treasure chest, filled with eternal value.
Let me share a story. I’ve gotten to know a Christian brother from Malawi where the average annual income is about $200. A Bible costs around $14—a month’s wages. For many, owning a Bible is a luxury they can’t afford.
With the help of others, I’ve been able to supply 16 Bibles in their native language. Families now take turns bringing the Bible home for a week at a time. It is that precious to them. Sweeter than honey.
What about us? We likely have multiple Bibles—on our shelves, in our apps, gathering dust. But do we hunger for God’s Word the way they do?
In Keeping Them Is Great Reward
Psalm 19 ends with this:
“Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward.” (v.11)
Creation may declare God’s glory, but it is His Word that leads us to salvation, shapes our character, and draws us into relationship with Him. It warns. It guides. It rewards.
Jesus said in Matthew 24:35, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.”
Let that sink in. The sun, moon, and stars will fade—but God’s Word will stand forever.
Why not make a simple covenant today?
Lord, I will open Your Word every day. I will read it, meditate on it, and hide it in my heart. I believe that in Your Word is life, truth, wisdom, and joy.
Here are tools that can help you.
You might just discover that God’s Word is sweeter than honey, and more precious than gold.
Pete Jansen is an everyday disciplemaker, retired pastor and lover of God’s creation. He and his wife Glenda live in beautiful Logan Lake, BC.
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