S.Scripture | 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

O.Observation | There are times when we lack sleep, or are brought to the end of ourselves for other reasons. In such a place I found myself today, hungry for strength from the Lord. I was thinking especially of my need for strength after yesterday’s devotional (We Need Strength | Ephesians 6:10). So I turned to Psalm 19 today. This Psalm is known for its exaltation of God’s Holy Word, while “restoring” (vs.7) and “rejoicing the heart” (vs.8). Inspired by God, David authors the Psalm and turns from reflecting on the power and greatness of the Word to a desire to live in glory of its author. Hebrews 4:12-13 makes a turn from the Word with the same desire as David. Such a turn is the response of living-worship.

Now, regarding the lessons the Lord speaks in this verse itself. David’s desire in response to the Word is that 1) his words and 2) his thoughts be at the very least acceptable. Acceptable to His Redeemer, who saved him. Acceptable to the One who is a solid and firm rock for him.

James 3:1-12 shows us the troubles we have with our words. James says, “if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man.” In this we find grace, as it teaches that struggling with words that are unacceptable before God is a struggle all men will have. All but Jesus who was the perfect God-Man. Yet in this text James also convicts and challenges us to control our tongues.

We often think our thoughts are secret. This is likely because there is a sense that we are un-accountable for them. No one knows our thoughts but us, right? In Psalm 19:14 we find that just as we can speak in ways unpleasing to God, we can think in ways unpleasing to Him as well. Let us not fool ourselves in thinking such foolishness as being unaccountable for our thoughts. As if God didn’t record our thoughts and could only hear our words. What a weak God He would be if this were true. No, rather He is the powerful and all-knowing Creator who gives us life and knows us intimately. Even our thoughts matter to Him and none of them are hidden from His sight (Heb 4.13). The Lord knows of the coveting of our thoughts, of our dwelling on un-forgiveness, of our convincing ourselves to do things the Word says we are not to do. The Holy God knows of our sinful anger, our anger fantasies, our dwelling on the past, our lust, and our lies in word and even in thought. Have we ever consider, am I thinking honestly and rightly?

For the unbeliever this is a horrifying reality. Or will be when the truth of all their recorded thoughts are revealed on judgement day. For those unrepentant who claim Christ, this ought to cause true repentance, instead of finding a way to numb the guilt and shame. For the true believer, who rests in Jesus as His Savior, while God knowing his thoughts bring guilt and shame, in turn he repents. He turns to his Savior not only for forgiveness, but for a transformed mind and life (Rom 12:1-2; 2 Cor 3:18). The true believer bows the knee of his actions, words and thoughts before the one who is loving and yet all-knowing Lord and King.

A.Application | The greatest lesson here, however, is the power of God’s Word (Psalm 19:7-12) and how it effects us, as it did David. If we long for our words and thoughts to align with what Yahweh finds acceptable, and what would please and glorify Him, let us turn to His Word. It is able to bring about the transformation that God desires. Now, how can we know what thoughts and words will glorify Him? Verses 7 thru 12 reveal this. It is through His Word we know, and through His Word the change is brought about.

Are my words and thoughts even acceptable before God according to His Word? Do I rationalize and excuse myself? Memorize this verse today, because the Word is powerful and able to effect change, just as Psalm 19 teaches us.

P.Prayer | Father, I pray with David. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer.”  Forgive me for when they have not been. I repent of such speaking and thinking. Both of vain things, selfishness, dishonoring, and those lacking a love for you and humility of myself. Let my thoughts be humble, low-minded thinking. Let me realize in my thoughts that I am a sinner who only deserves hell, but by Your grace has not been given it. And let my thoughts reflect on a love for You, the praise of you, for who you are and all you have done for me. For your glory and because of your powerful Word. Amen.