(July 15, 2025) Brian Bell pinpoints some scriptural truths…

Of all the scriptures contained in our Bible, surely Psalms are the most read. If like me you turn to them frequently, then you may agree the psalmist often seems to be able to reflect the thoughts of one’s heart.

For example, during the past two weeks I found myself in a personal situation for which I was seeking an answer and one morning I read in Psalm 15:4 about those who ‘… keep their promises even when it hurts.’ This gave me the direction I needed to complete a financial transaction!

In Psalm 19 the psalmist presents us with some excellent thoughts which I will share with you dear readers, perhaps similar thoughts to those you may have considered from your own reading. The verses I quote are from my NLT Bible.

Silent Voices
Verses 1 to 6  reveal that ‘The heavens tell of the glory of God, the skies display His marvellous craftmanship … they continue to speak … they speak without a sound or a word … their voice is silent in the skies … their message has gone out to all the earth … the sun lives in the heavens where God placed it … nothing can hide from its heat.’

These silent voices mean I do not need to try and understand the majesty of God’s creation because it contains all the evidence I need.

Sadly many intelligent people today do not listen and while they have been able to discover much about our world and the universe in which God has everything in its place, they choose not to hear the silent voices God has used to reveal Himself.

Joyful Voices
Verses 7 to 10 tell me that what God has established is for our good and is trustworthy and if I apply it, it will make me the same.

The use of the word ‘perfect’ as rendered here in verse 7 is not speaking about a person who has never done anything wrong, but more in the sense of ‘consistent behaviour’ as we allow God’s word to work out through us.

Note the words in verse 8… ‘bringing joy to the heart.’ God will never ask me to do something that will ‘kill’ my joy and ‘the commands of the Lord are clear’ tells me God’s word is not blurred.

Verse 9 speaks about God’s reputation because His word is ‘pure’ and His decisions unlike the decisions of men are always fair.

The words ‘more desirable’ than the finest gold and ‘sweeter than honey’ in verse 10 remind me that God’s word is precious.

God’s word—
(i) Warns and Rewards
Verse 11 points out that ‘They are a warning to those who hear them … great reward for those who obey them.’

God is not willing for anyone to perish and so He extends His amazing grace to those who may still come to Him by faith.

For believers, the rewards for faithful service await us in heaven, but reward can also be experienced now as we seek to allow His peace to keep us in these very challenging days.

(ii) Keeps and Frees
Note verses 12 and 13— ‘How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.’

David recognises the frailty of his heart— and I can identify with that, remembering that ‘… if we confess our sins to Him He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong’ (1John 1:9).

(iii) Guards my Motives
Verse 14 reads‘… may the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.’

Recently I read a comment by author and teacher Mike Raiter who said, ‘If you want a window into someone’s soul, listen to his speech.’

I’m challenged here—  in this verse it is not about speaking words to try and please other people. We may not always achieve that, even when speaking the truth in love. But such good words and thoughts are pleasing to God!

Proclaiming Voices
Tricia and Noel Richards song (circa 1987) All Heaven Declares is a good paraphrase for this psalm—
All heaven declares the glory of the risen Lord
Who can compare with the beauty of the Lord,
Forever He will be the Lamb upon the throne,
I gladly bow the knee and worship Him alone.

I will proclaim the glory of the risen Lord
Who once was slain to reconcile man to God,
For ever you will be the Lamb upon the throne
I gladly bow the knee and worship you alone.’

May you hear the silent voices of God’s creation and let them lead you by His grace to worship Him alone. May you joyfully proclaim from your heart His goodness as declared in scripture!

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Brian Bell is a diaconate member, Christ Church (Congregational) Abbots Cross, Northern Ireland. Brian describes himself as ‘grateful for the privilege and opportunity given me to serve my Lord.’
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