Psalm 19
7The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
8the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
9the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring forever;
the rules of the LORD are true,
10More to be desired are they then gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
11Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12Who can discern his errors?
Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
13Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
In verses 7-11 of this wonderful Psalm, David extols the beauty and perfection of the Word of God. The things that he says about the Word of God just make the heart of a perfectionist just burst with joy. Left to ourselves, we would just take the treasure of God’s word and head off to live life. . .on our own. I have the very thing that will revive my soul, make me wise, rejoice my heart, enlighten my eyes, show me the path of righteousness, warn me and reward me. What more could I need to life my life? Answer: God himself!
In verses 12-13 David acknowledges that in spite of having God’s word there are sins in his heart that are hidden—he’s not even aware of them. And they need to be forgiven. And then there is the ever-present presumptuous sins—like the idea that I am capable of “making life happen” on my own, and for myself. Those types of sin can gain dominion over me, and take over my life. We can see in all of this that David is clearly aware that he needs more than just the Word of God as wonderful and beautiful as it is. He must have God himself. The word is not substitute for that. In the New Testament era, we see that folks like the Pharisees fell into the trap. They thought that armed with the Word they had all that they needed to make themselves clean and live a righteous life. In fact, this self-dependent pride did not make them righteous; it hardened their hearts against the very God who had given them His word.
So where are we? Ask yourself: Do I just want the information in the Word of God so I can pack up my life, and head off to live it on my own steam? Or do I willingly acknowledge my need for his guidance, protection and forgiveness, and invite Him to reign in every nook and cranny of each day? Does the beauty and perfection of His word make me think I can live life on my own, or does it convince me of how desperately I need God to walk with me?