Words & Thoughts

Words & Thoughts

Psalm 19:14

Psalm 19 is a powerful testimony to God’s creative and redemptive character; His divine sovereignty.

It basically unfolds in two parts:

In verses 1–6: The Psalmist, David, as in King David, acknowledges that God reveals Himself through creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God.” It’s what theologians call general revelation — it’s the evidence of the Creator that’s accessible to all people, revealing God’s eternal power and divine nature through his creation (Romans 1:20).

Of course, in verses 7–11: David shifts to what’s known as special revelation — where God reveals Himself specifically to His people: God’s law, His Word. Here we see God not just as Creator (with His obvious handiwork on display for all to see), but as Lawgiver and Redeemer. The law is “perfect,” “sure,” “right,” “pure,” and “true.” It revives the soul, makes wise the simple, bringing joy to the heart.

Of course, Psalm 19 culminates in very personal response. After testifying to the majesty and glory of God in creation; and the perfection of His Word... David ends with a prayer... a prayer of humility.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable…”

Why would he pray this unless there was a real possibility that his words and thoughts might not be acceptable? In fact, David acknowledges just that in verse 12:

“Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.”

The human condition... our condition... can be summed up in this: “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.”

Charles Spurgeon, the great Reformed pastor, said (and I believe it to be true!), quote, “When you feel yourself to be utterly unworthy, you have hit the truth.”

We are not morally neutral. Not only are our words and actions often sinful... even our thoughts are tainted. That’s why Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)

We are self-deceived when we believe we have no sin. We don’t even see all the ways in which we fall short.

That’s why we stand in need of grace — even to speak rightly or to think rightly.

John Calvin said, “The heart is a perpetual factory of idols.”

We all stand in need of forgiveness... and restoration... for or sinful actions (no doubt), but also for renewal of the inner self (the part of us that no one else can see, save God) — our minds, our affections, our meditations.

David’s prayer shows that he understood his own condition.

David does not say, “Let my words be acceptable to others,” or “Let my words and thoughts help me live my best life now.” He says, “Let my words and thoughts be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord.”

His desire was to live a God-centered life. And such a desire is foundational to our walk in Christ; it is indispensable.

The “doctrines of grace” in Reformed Theology (Presbyterian Theology) stress that God’s loving-kindness is expressed to us by Scripture Alone, thru Faith Alone, by Grace Alone, through Christ Alone, to the Glory of God Alone! It all works together to form a God-centered life.

God is not only interested in behavior but in our hearts.

Every word, every thought is lived in the shadow/or light of His Grace.

Colossians 2:23-24 tell us, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Proverbs 15:3, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

This should humble us. But it should also comfort us. Because…

David does not root his hope in himself — not in his sincerity, not in his good intentions, not even in his knowledge of the law... but in his confidence in God’s character:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

“My Rock” — God is our strong, unshakable foundation. In a life filled with uncertainty, sin, and self-centeredness, God is our immovable, faithful, loving Lord.

“My Redeemer” — David knew he needed redemption. He needed a Savior.

This language anticipates the Redeemer, the Messiah, the Christ. Jesus is the true Rock (1 Cor. 10:4). Christ is the Redeemer — the one who paid the price to rescue us from sin & self.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses…” (Ephesians 1:7).

This verse — Psalm 19:14 — finds its fullness, it’s fulfillment, as the whole of the OT finds its ultimate fulfillment: in Jesus Christ. Only in Him are our words and our thoughts made acceptable. As the writer of Hebrews says, “He always lives to make intercession for us.” (Heb. 7:25)

You and I can trust our Rock and our Redeemer. When you feel overwhelmed, run to Christ.

In Him, our words and thoughts are washed and made holy. The Father sees all of us, as followers of Christ, through the righteousness of Jesus.

David does not end this psalm with boasting, but with prayer; stressing his dependency on God, and placing his confidence in the Lord.

May that be our posture as well, to the Glory of God Alone:

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”

Amen.