The heavens declare the glory of God, His handiwork making known His magnificent artistry to the senses (v.1). While His perfect law is able to dive deep below the surface and revive even the soul (v.7a). Every sunrise, every sunset, pouring out a heaven-sent communication and revealing knowledge for those who have eyes to see (v.2). While His reliable and lasting testimony is capable of imparting wisdom for those who have ears to hear (v. 7b). The testimony of creation as to the presence and power of God crying out through all the earth and to the end of the world (v.4). The joy and enlightenment of His enduring and righteous word made available to all who desire it more than gold because they have tasted of it and found it sweeter than honey (vv. 8-10).

But there is something about standing in the sunlight. The bright light having a way of revealing blemishes not normally noticed. There’s something about staring deep into a mirror. We can see things we just as soon not see. Such was David’s response after extolling the declaration of God’s glory in creation and the communication of God’s heart in His word.

Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. 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.

(Psalm 19:12-13 ESV)

David considers the glory of God revealed in His creation, he meditates on the truth of God imparted through His word, and realizes afresh the faults and failures in his life.

He sees the errors, those little mistakes so often tripping him up. He gains awareness of those hidden faults, that concealed iniquity, as it bubbles to the surface. He increasingly recognizes the continuing influence of pride and ego in daily life and recoils at the thought of being enslaved to presumptuous sin. For he knows that unchecked, little mistakes, and hidden faults, and ego error have a way of morphing into great transgression.

But just as the sun brings light, it can also bring a purifying heat. Just as the mirror of God’s word can reveal unsightly warts, warning the servant of God of sin in his life, there is also, in giving heed to His word, the potential of great reward. A reviving of the soul, a making wise of the simple, a rejoicing of the heart, an enlightening of the eyes.

For beyond just revealing a moral law and righteous rules, they also reveal a gracious God. One who can justify and justly declare me innocent from hidden faults. One who will sanctify and keep me back from presumptuous sins. One able to glorify, one day presenting me before Himself blameless. And that, through a third volume of God’s self-revelation not known to David.

While David had creation to reveal the glory of God, and while he had the law to reveal the way of God, in these last day God has spoken to us by His Son–the appointed heir of all things; through whom the world was created; the radiance of God’s glory; the exact imprint of His nature; the One who upholds the universe by the word of His power; the One who, after making purification for sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:2-3)–to demonstrate the love of God.

Precious! More precious than gold! Sweet! Sweeter than honey or the drippings of the honeycomb.

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 ESV)

Because of grace. For Your glory.