Meditating on Psalm 19 in light of Sacred Imagination

Author: Alice Cheng
Translator: Kaitlin Cheung

God created humans, granting them imagination to transcend the limitations of matter and senses, to establish value systems beyond appearances, and even to develop creativity and interpersonal interactions. Sacred imagination is the bridge that transcends the boundary between humans and the divine, allowing the humble to commune with the Sovereign Lord. Let’s look into Psalm 19 in the Bible and appreciate its threefold narrative, which includes: the proclamation of heaven and earth, the whisper of the holy word, and the inner tremor.

Proclamation of Heaven and Earth:

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1ESV)

“…which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.” (Psalm 19:5ESV)

The firmament of the heavens pours forth its narrative in the form of a silent drama. This wordless telling is, in fact, the most primitive form of “general revelation.” Nature itself is a vast book of revelation. The heavens pour forth glory, and the stars scatter sparks, writing burning codes across the darkened sky. The sun rises each day from the east, and runs its course from the east to the west. Sunrise and sunset are daily displays of a sacred ritual. The sun is God’s servant, and its light and heat display God’s power, faithfulness, and grace. God’s fingerprints are seen throughout creation, in heaven and on earth, day and night, in action and stillness; the changing of each season, the ebb and flow of tides, the budding and fading of flowers; mountains and green fields, lakes and rivers, and all creatures. They all exalt God’s creation and control.

Whispers of the Holy Word:

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

“More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:10 ESV)

God’s word is perfect, sure, right, pure, and true. (Psalm 19:7-9 ESV) God’s word will not be sealed and buried. These ancient words are full of life-giving power; they are timeless. The law of the LORD revives the soul, and the testimony of the LORD makes wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD rejoice the heart, and the commandments of the LORD enlighten the eyes. God’s word is full of immeasurable value and richness. It is sweeter than honey, and more precious than gold. It is living and active, commanding the stars to stay in their proper place, and holding hearts in place. God’s word is like a gold thread, weaving a garment for the soul, and purifying man.

Inner Tremor:

“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)

“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)

When the light shines through a window, the dust becomes visible, with nowhere to hide. Under God’s holy light, all of my thoughts and motives are laid bare. Hidden pride, jealousy, and the mask of devotion…God’s law is like a golden mirror, revealing my true form. When nighttime comes, the stars begin their chorus. My prayers are like incense, rising towards the Lord who stretches out the sky like a curtain, and yet stoops close to hear the whispers of my heart. God designed the insurmountable orbit of the stars, and yet it was through a cross that He broke down the barrier between God and man. My spirit trembles in silence, under the dissection of real light. I willingly offer my prayers, asking God to become my rock and redeemer.

Today, the heavens and earth still declare, the Scriptures are still open, and the fire in my heart still burns: 

“O Lord! Though not all creation may have words, your hidden glory causes my heart to tremble. May I shine your light brightly, like a sunrise. Angels, play your golden harps, and worship, with all voices, the King of kings and Lord of lords.”

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