God’s Laws

Psalm 19:1-14

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.  Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.  There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.” (Psalm 19:1-3)

The most basic principle of science is that everything that happens is caused by something else, even though we may not understand the cause.  Science is ultimately the study of those causes and what their results are.  When we understand the principles, we can then apply them to cause things we desire.   Everything in the universe is the result of God’s actions and shows his glory and power.   We are frequently  given the impression that no true scientist believes in creation.  The truth is that while almost ninety percent of science teachers and professors do not, over eighty percent of the scientists who do actual research profess to believe in some kind of creation. 

Every culture on earth at one time worshipped some kind of God, and until recently, the Atheist belief had never been widespread.  Romans 1:18-20 states, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.”

The evidence of nature is clear regardless what language one speaks.  To deny God’s existence requires deliberately ignoring the evidence in nature.   As humans become more isolated from nature it becomes easier for them to ignore those things, but their very life depends on them every, and there is no valid excuse for not believing.    They are very much like the woman who said it didn’t matter whether it rained or not because she bought her food at the grocery store, never stopping to think that if there was no rain, the grocery store would have no food to sell.    If there was no God, there would be no universe for us to live in.

Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.  His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” (Psalm 19:4-6)

The very orbit of the earth around the sun and the rotation of the earth demonstrate the planning of God that the entire universe has been designed by God.  If the Big Bang theory and the expanding universe are true it is only a matter of time until we become so far from the sun that it no longer warms the earth enough to support life.  At the rate they claim the expansion occurs, life could only have existed a few thousand years.  The fact that we seem to have arrived at a state of equilibrium implies the theory is wrong, based on the principles of motion and attraction between the planets.   The orbits of the earth and other planets should be degrading steadily and the difference should be visible if the earth has been in this position for hundreds of millions of years.  We are unable to detect such degrading, indicating there is more at work than just the natural principles.    

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7)

Modern science depends on there being  natural laws that govern everything that happens, such as the law of gravity.  As we understand those laws or principles, we are able to predict what an action will cause and make wise decisions instead of just randomly trying things in hopes they will produce a desirable result.  The Great Awakening  of Christianity was a result of people believing that God had created the world to follow certain laws.  As a result of scientific discoveries, people turned to God. 

“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8)

The natural laws God established to govern the universe cannot be broken.    God established statutes or rules for human behavior, and when followed guarantee the most satisfactory life possible.   Learning to follow them enables us to make wise choices in our relationships. 

“The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.” (Psalm 19:9)

Respect for God makes us afraid of violating his commands, but it recognizes his judgments are not arbitrary.  He is always the same, and will always react the same way.   While he could easily destroy us, we can depend on him to do what is right every time.  That confidence will last forever. 

“More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.  Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:10-11)

An understanding of God’s laws and statutes, and that respectful fear of God are worth more than any amount of money.  They make life more enjoyable than the sweetest things the world has to offer, and warn us about unseen dangers.   When life is over, they promise eternal blessings. 

”Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ” (Psalm 19:12-14)

Even with the laws and statutes God has given us, we often don’t realize  when we are doing wrong.  We need the spirit of God to make us aware of what we are doing  so that we don’t just assume that what we do will be acceptable to God.  We often allow such sins to control us.  While we may do things that are wrong, they will not become a pattern of life if the Holy Spirit is in control.  Jesus said people will give an account of every idle word.  David asks that God would control both his words and his thoughts so that they would be acceptable to God.