April 20, 2024
Psalm 19:1-6
Brian Parker, senior pastor
Kingsland First Baptist Church
I love Siri! She is a great assistant, especially when I drive. She provides me with written and spoken directions. The problem with Siri is that her directions are not always correct. Like Siri, God uses both written and spoken directions; but unlike Siri, God’s direction is always correct.
Through the Scriptures, God directs us in general and specific ways.
He provides general direction to a human being through all that He has created. God’s general direction brings us to Him with an awareness of His existence and greatness. In Psalm 19:1-6, God reminds us that His direction and attributes are being declared through the glory of creation. Creation directs people to the reality of a sovereign and creative God; however, creation does not direct us to a Savior. That is why God has given His written Word to us.
God specifically directs us through His written Word, which we call the Scriptures or the Bible. This is God’s voice giving us commands to live by to guide us in our lives. Psalm 19 reveals that God’s written Word restores the soul, makes wise, fills the heart with joy, and enlightens the eyes.
Restoration of the soul is the greatest need in a person’s life. The Hebrew term means to turn back, return, or go back. The psalmist is painting a picture of a soul that has returned to God and obtained the original state meant prior to a rebellion and running away. God’s Word restores us and brings us back.
God’s Word also makes a person wise. Even the most unschooled individual is fully capable through a knowledge and application of the Scriptures. God’s Word is more than adequate for any person at any time in their life. God’s Word fills a person’s heart with joy. The original term means to brighten and cheer up. The Bible is more than a light to our steps; it is a light to brighten our hearts and bring spontaneous cheer and internal joy.
The Scriptures also enlighten the eyes. The original term means to illumine and light up. This is extremely important because it is revealing that through God’s Word our eyes become filled with the light of godliness and holiness. Our eyes begin to shine with the light of being pleasing to God.
The pinnacle of the written Word is the testimony of Jesus Christ. The Word that spoke creation into existence also became flesh and dwelt among us, providing salvation and redemption. It is this specific truth of the written Word that has transformed lives for thousands of years. Countless numbers of people have read the written Word, obeyed its teachings, and found salvation and new life.
Today, God continues to speak through creation, His written Word, and the voice of His Holy Spirit. It is this inaudible voice that God uses to speak the truths of His written Word to the souls of men and women everywhere. It is this voice that affirms the truthfulness and reliability of the written Word of God while also convicting a person of their sin and wickedness.
Unfortunately, people today are listening to other voices and seeking direction in other places. We are deaf to the voice of creation, and we have become blind to the written word. Professors elevate the scientific method and philosophers point to many ways to live life.
When I drive, I need Siri’s written and verbal instructions. Her written directions provide me the explicit details to get exactly where I need to go, and her voice prompts me to stay on the path without being distracted. God acts the same way. His written Word provides explicit directions for me to live by, and His voice lovingly prompts me to stay the course and not give way to distractions. The beauty of creation points me to a God who has written His word down for me and quietly speaks to my soul, directing my life.
