Read: Psalm 65
This psalm announces the glory of God found in creation which “pours forth speech.” I imagine at one time or another we all have found ourselves awestruck at the sight of one feature of creation or another. However, God’s glory is far greater than any sunset or picaresque stream. As beautiful as creation is, it takes on an even more powerful character when we come to know the creator more deeply. This is why the psalmist goes on to celebrate God’s ordinances (v. 7-10), how much more wonderful creation is when we have come to know the God who made it!
For the psalmist, the world takes on a new light when we are illuminated by God. Father, Son, and Holy Spirit grant us knowledge of Godself through scripture, faith, and the tradition of the church, and this knowledge illuminates the world around us in a new way. In this light, God speaks without words: most of you have heard better sermons on the quiet of a porch than any preacher could speak. As the psalm says:
“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of world”(v. 1-4)
The final lines of the psalm (“May the word of my mouth…”) are often used to begin a sermon, but their call in context is an even greater challenge than when they are spoken alone. If my words could ever approach the magnitude of those silent words in creation it would be a truly miraculous gift.
Lord, illuminate my path. May whatever words I speak be worthy of the miraculous gift of language. May I reflect your light and your creation. Enliven my words with your Spirit, and allow me to to proclaim you by not speaking, with kind gestures and a listening ear, that you may be revealed with the whole of my being. May all of me reveal Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, and in whose name I pray. Amen
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