Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. – Psalm 19:14
Even Cain was given the opportunity to change and please the Lord (Genesis 4:3-7). When he brought his offering, the Lord did not regard it as acceptable. When Cain became upset, the Lord asked, “Why are you angry… if you do well, will you not be accepted?” It was Cain’s responsibility to do what God desired.
It is the believer’s responsibility to learn who God is and what He expects. Psalm 19 is a wonderful psalm that reveals God in a variety of ways. The first six verses speak of creation: “The heavens declare the glory of God” without a word spoken (v.1). The rising of the sun speaks to God’s wisdom in creation, His power, and His care for humankind.
The next verses talk of the commandments of God. Not only do they give guidance to the believer, but the psalmist gives insight into the character of God, as well as the benefits of following His statutes. God’s law is perfect, sure, right, pure, and true because He is. To follow His statutes is to enjoy a life that is sweeter than honey; “in keeping them there is great reward” (vv.10-11).
Just as the sun brings illumination to the day, God’s law reveals your shortcomings, revealing sins hidden in the depths of your soul. Ask the Lord for His grace to make the changes that will please Him and follow the lead of the psalmist, who knew he had a Redeemer: “Let the words of [your] mouth and the meditation of [your] heart be acceptable” to Him (v.14). Then pray that others would come to know Christ, the Rock of all ages, especially those who serve in the nation’s government.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,
and its circuit to the end of them,
and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9 the fear of the Lord is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the Lord are true,
and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12 Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
