Our Complete God
The Text
Psalm 19:7-10 (CSB)
7 The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.8 The precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; the command of the LORD is radiant, making the eyes light up.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are reliable and altogether righteous.
10 They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb.
The Devotion
This in the perfection of God in his perfect word declaring his perfect glory.
The word of God speaks perfectly to the four corners of the earth: that there is one Holy God and he is the creator of the heavens, the earth, and hell. And within those realms, he created all things--including mankind, male and female, the only beings created in his image. To that, we were created to reflect his glory. In essence, we were created to worship.
But mankind has fallen--we have sinned against this one Holy God. But God, in his righteousness and just, did not come to destroy us and slay us because we were now dead in our trespasses and sins. Instead, he came to us and he preached to us that he will send a savior, born of the woman, and to Satan, the deceiver that has deceived us and caused us to sin, this savior will crush his head.
And continuously, God sent his prophets to continue to preach that this savior will come--believe and repent of your sins and turn your eyes upon God.
What we did not know but we know truly is that he sent his only begotten Son. He is the Son of God who is truly God. And we call him Jesus because of his perfect life, action, and obedience to God's perfect law, and because of his death, Jesus has saved his people from their sins--flawlessly, perfectly, definitively, forever.
Jesus Christ was born, did live, did died but because he was altogether righteous, he did not stay dead. Because of the Holy Spirit of God who dwelled in Christ and was with Christ, God raised him from the dead in the three days.
To that, because Christ was finished, he ascended to be at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. Christ will one day come again to judge the living and the dead.
To that, his people, you and me, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, have been saved and cleansed from our sins forever, we have all been given new hearts forever. Our minds have been renewed forever. Our eyes opened. Our ears hear. Our tongues un-dumbfounded. Forever and ever. Because we have the same Spirit dwelling in us that raised Christ from the dead and has given us life. We are born again! We have the Christ. The Father has adopted us and made his in home in us!
To that end, since we have been chosen, we are called to life, we are justified in his sight and because God is perfect, we are glorified to him forever.
And we, his people? We are the holy and royal priesthood--the holy catholic and apostolic, hellgate breaking church of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are his Bride and he is our Bridegroom. We are his body and he is our head.
We are his people and he is our God.
Forever.
And his perfect word perfectly declares this:
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.
John 3:14–17 (CSB) “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
The Scriptures
Psalm 19 (CSB)
For the choir director. A psalm of David.1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour out speech; night after night they communicate knowledge.
3 There is no speech; there are no words; their voice is not heard.
4 Their message has gone out to the whole earth, and their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming from his home; it rejoices like an athlete running a course.
6 It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat.
7 The instruction of the LORD is perfect, renewing one’s life; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart glad; the command of the LORD is radiant, making the eyes light up.
9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the LORD are reliable and altogether righteous.
10 They are more desirable than gold— than an abundance of pure gold; and sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb.
11 In addition, your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is an abundant reward.
12 Who perceives his unintentional sins? Cleanse me from my hidden faults.
13 Moreover, keep your servant from willful sins; do not let them rule me. Then I will be blameless and cleansed from blatant rebellion.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.
Psalm 119 (CSB)
1 How happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk according to the LORD’s instruction!2 Happy are those who keep his decrees and seek him with all their heart.
3 They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.
4 You have commanded that your precepts be diligently kept.
5 If only my ways were committed to keeping your statutes!
6 Then I would not be ashamed when I think about all your commands.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart when I learn your righteous judgments.
8 I will keep your statutes; never abandon me.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping your word.
10 I have sought you with all my heart; don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have treasured your word in my heart so that I may not sin against you.
12 LORD, may you be blessed; teach me your statutes.
13 With my lips I proclaim all the judgments from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in the way revealed by your decrees as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways.
16 I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.
17 Deal generously with your servant so that I might live; then I will keep your word.
18 Open my eyes so that I may contemplate wondrous things from your instruction.
19 I am a resident alien on earth; do not hide your commands from me.
20 I am continually overcome with longing for your judgments.
21 You rebuke the arrogant, the ones under a curse, who wander from your commands.
22 Take insult and contempt away from me, for I have kept your decrees.
23 Though princes sit together speaking against me, your servant will think about your statutes;
24 your decrees are my delight and my counselors.
25 My life is down in the dust; give me life through your word.
26 I told you about my life, and you answered me; teach me your statutes.
27 Help me understand the meaning of your precepts so that I can meditate on your wonders.
28 I am weary from grief; strengthen me through your word.
29 Keep me from the way of deceit and graciously give me your instruction.
30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set your ordinances before me.
31 I cling to your decrees; LORD, do not put me to shame.
32 I pursue the way of your commands, for you broaden my understanding.
33 Teach me, LORD, the meaning of your statutes, and I will always keep them.
34 Help me understand your instruction, and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart.
35 Help me stay on the path of your commands, for I take pleasure in it.
36 Turn my heart to your decrees and not to dishonest profit.
37 Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in your ways.
38 Confirm what you said to your servant, for it produces reverence for you.
39 Turn away the disgrace I dread; indeed, your judgments are good.
40 How I long for your precepts! Give me life through your righteousness.
41 Let your faithful love come to me, LORD, your salvation, as you promised.
42 Then I can answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.
43 Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in your judgments.
44 I will always obey your instruction, forever and ever.
45 I will walk freely in an open place because I study your precepts.
46 I will speak of your decrees before kings and not be ashamed.
47 I delight in your commands, which I love.
48 I will lift up my hands to your commands, which I love, and will meditate on your statutes.
49 Remember your word to your servant; you have given me hope through it.
50 This is my comfort in my affliction: Your promise has given me life.
51 The arrogant constantly ridicule me, but I do not turn away from your instruction.
52 LORD, I remember your judgments from long ago and find comfort.
53 Fury seizes me because of the wicked who reject your instruction.
54 Your statutes are the theme of my song during my earthly life.
55 LORD, I remember your name in the night, and I obey your instruction.
56 This is my practice: I obey your precepts.
57 The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep your words.
58 I have sought your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 I thought about my ways and turned my steps back to your decrees.
60 I hurried, not hesitating to keep your commands.
61 Though the ropes of the wicked were wrapped around me, I did not forget your instruction.
62 I rise at midnight to thank you for your righteous judgments.
63 I am a friend to all who fear you, to those who keep your precepts.
64 LORD, the earth is filled with your faithful love; teach me your statutes.
65 LORD, you have treated your servant well, just as you promised.
66 Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on your commands.
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
68 You are good, and you do what is good; teach me your statutes.
69 The arrogant have smeared me with lies, but I obey your precepts with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are hard and insensitive, but I delight in your instruction.
71 It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn your statutes.
72 Instruction from your lips is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
73 Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn your commands.
74 Those who fear you will see me and rejoice, for I put my hope in your word.
75 I know, LORD, that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly.
76 May your faithful love comfort me as you promised your servant.
77 May your compassion come to me so that I may live, for your instruction is my delight.
78 Let the arrogant be put to shame for slandering me with lies; I will meditate on your precepts.
79 Let those who fear you, those who know your decrees, turn to me.
80 May my heart be blameless regarding your statutes so that I will not be put to shame.
81 I long for your salvation; I put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes grow weary looking for what you have promised; I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I have become like a wineskin dried by smoke, I do not forget your statutes.
84 How many days must your servant wait? When will you execute judgment on my persecutors?
85 The arrogant have dug pits for me; they violate your instruction.
86 All your commands are true; people persecute me with lies—help me!
87 They almost ended my life on earth, but I did not abandon your precepts.
88 Give me life in accordance with your faithful love, and I will obey the decree you have spoken.
89 LORD, your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness is for all generations; you established the earth, and it stands firm.
91 Your judgments stand firm today, for all things are your servants.
92 If your instruction had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction.
93 I will never forget your precepts, for you have given me life through them.
94 I am yours; save me, for I have studied your precepts.
95 The wicked hope to destroy me, but I contemplate your decrees.
96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your command is without limit.
97 How I love your instruction! It is my meditation all day long.
98 Your command makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me.
99 I have more insight than all my teachers because your decrees are my meditation.
100 I understand more than the elders because I obey your precepts.
101 I have kept my feet from every evil path to follow your word.
102 I have not turned from your judgments, for you yourself have instructed me.
103 How sweet your word is to my taste— sweeter than honey in my mouth.
104 I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every false way.
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.
106 I have solemnly sworn to keep your righteous judgments.
107 I am severely afflicted; LORD, give me life according to your word.
108 LORD, please accept my freewill offerings of praise, and teach me your judgments.
109 My life is constantly in danger, yet I do not forget your instruction.
110 The wicked have set a trap for me, but I have not wandered from your precepts.
111 I have your decrees as a heritage forever; indeed, they are the joy of my heart.
112 I am resolved to obey your statutes to the very end.
113 I hate those who are double-minded, but I love your instruction.
114 You are my shelter and my shield; I put my hope in your word.
115 Depart from me, you evil ones, so that I may obey my God’s commands.
116 Sustain me as you promised, and I will live; do not let me be ashamed of my hope.
117 Sustain me so that I can be safe and always be concerned about your statutes.
118 You reject all who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is a lie.
119 You remove all the wicked on earth as if they were dross from metal; therefore, I love your decrees.
120 I tremble in awe of you; I fear your judgments.
121 I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.
122 Guarantee your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me.
123 My eyes grow weary looking for your salvation and for your righteous promise.
124 Deal with your servant based on your faithful love; teach me your statutes.
125 I am your servant; give me understanding so that I may know your decrees.
126 It is time for the LORD to act, for they have violated your instruction.
127 Since I love your commands more than gold, even the purest gold,
128 I carefully follow all your precepts and hate every false way.
129 Your decrees are wondrous; therefore I obey them.
130 The revelation of your words brings light and gives understanding to the inexperienced.
131 I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commands.
132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your practice toward those who love your name.
133 Make my steps steady through your promise; don’t let any sin dominate me.
134 Redeem me from human oppression, and I will keep your precepts.
135 Make your face shine on your servant, and teach me your statutes.
136 My eyes pour out streams of tears because people do not follow your instruction.
137 You are righteous, LORD, and your judgments are just.
138 The decrees you issue are righteous and altogether trustworthy.
139 My anger overwhelms me because my foes forget your words.
140 Your word is completely pure, and your servant loves it.
141 I am insignificant and despised, but I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your instruction is true.
143 Trouble and distress have overtaken me, but your commands are my delight.
144 Your decrees are righteous forever. Give me understanding, and I will live.
145 I call with all my heart; answer me, LORD. I will obey your statutes.
146 I call to you; save me, and I will keep your decrees.
147 I rise before dawn and cry out for help; I put my hope in your word.
148 I am awake through each watch of the night to meditate on your promise.
149 In keeping with your faithful love, hear my voice. LORD, give me life in keeping with your justice.
150 Those who pursue evil plans come near; they are far from your instruction.
151 You are near, LORD, and all your commands are true.
152 Long ago I learned from your decrees that you have established them forever.
153 Consider my affliction and rescue me, for I have not forgotten your instruction.
154 Champion my cause and redeem me; give me life as you promised.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked because they do not study your statutes.
156 Your compassions are many, LORD; give me life according to your judgments.
157 My persecutors and foes are many. I have not turned from your decrees.
158 I have seen the disloyal and feel disgust because they do not keep your word.
159 Consider how I love your precepts; LORD, give me life according to your faithful love.
160 The entirety of your word is truth, each of your righteous judgments endures forever.
161 Princes have persecuted me without cause, but my heart fears only your word.
162 I rejoice over your promise like one who finds vast treasure.
163 I hate and abhor falsehood, but I love your instruction.
164 I praise you seven times a day for your righteous judgments.
165 Abundant peace belongs to those who love your instruction; nothing makes them stumble.
166 LORD, I hope for your salvation and carry out your commands.
167 I obey your decrees and love them greatly.
168 I obey your precepts and decrees, for all my ways are before you.
169 Let my cry reach you, LORD; give me understanding according to your word.
170 Let my plea reach you; rescue me according to your promise.
171 My lips pour out praise, for you teach me your statutes.
172 My tongue sings about your promise, for all your commands are righteous.
173 May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.
174 I long for your salvation, LORD, and your instruction is my delight.
175 Let me live, and I will praise you; may your judgments help me.
176 I wander like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commands.