Sunday, October 14, 2007

The Glory of God

On April 3, 1997, my beautiful, then 3 year old, daughter drew a picture of me. It just so happened that she drew the picture in my Bible. I was a little disappointed to have the drawing of my 3 year old right in the middle of a page in my Bible, but I wasn't angry with her. I made a little note beside the drawing and this is what I wrote, "Rebecca: 4/3/97, "Mommy, I drew your face in your Bible!" That is what she said to me. She was so excited, she carried it to me and proudly displayed her work. How could I be angry?

I never gave much thought to it after that. When I read across the scripture that she adorned, I simply read over it. It was a Psalm that she selected and one that I read, but had not zoned in on with the exception of the very last verse. This final verse in this Psalm has been my prayer many, many times. In fact the first date beside the final verse is October 1996 with the note, "Help me always do this."

Recently, however, I noticed that the "smile" of my face framed the passage almost perfectly. I thought I should read it again, this time with the idea that God might have helped my young child select this particular chapter. When I read it, tears welled up in my eyes. I was filled with joy! This verse expresses my heart, it was my prayer, it is all I believe about God, and I never paid close attention. I thanked Him for the drawing of my 3 year old. I thanked Him for selecting the page she would write on. I read this passage almost every day now, and I never am disappointed. His word speaks to my heart, gives me hope, teaches me and challenges me every time I read it. His love is given to me in the reading of this Psalm.

Psalm 19 NIV

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

5 which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is hidden from its heat.

7 The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the LORD is pure,
enduring forever.
The ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

11 By them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern his errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.

14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

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