As we gather to worship our Savior and King, Psalm 19 helps us build a sense of anticipation. The words and wisdom of God that we’ll read, sing, pray, study, and proclaim are…
- Perfect, reviving the soul
- Sure, making wise the simple
- Right, rejoicing the heart
- Pure, enlightening the eyes
- Clean, enduring forever
- True, and righteous altogether
Whatever you’re anticipating later today or at some point this week, this month, or this year, listen: it’s not as valuable or enduring or important as the words and wisdom of your Creator. Let’s set our hearts to focus on and anticipate the best.
Focused anticipation opens the door of our hearts to joyful participation. As we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, we are speaking to each other. We are praying together, communing with one another. Don’t be just a spectator. Participate! Engage your heart. Be grateful. Express your thanks. Offer to God your praise. Bring your best.
And by God’s wise design, when focused anticipation meets joyful participation, what we experience is great appreciation. Listen…
More to be desired are [the words and wisdom of the LORD] than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them is your servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward. (19:10-11)
As we gather with focused anticipation to joyfully participate together in the sacrifice of praise, David gives us the perfect thing to pray.
Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (19:14)
This is the day that the LORD has made. Sunday. The best day of the week. The day on which the Best of the best conquered Death. The day the best news of living hope began to spread from Jerusalem. The day Christians have set aside for nearly 2,000 years to assemble, pray, sing, remember, celebrate, learn, and encourage each other in the name of the superior Savior, the Lord Jesus. What an opportunity is ours to anticipate the best, participate in the best, and appreciate the Best from the beginning of this God-given week!
Happy Lord’s day.