I’m going to share a very personal story about my Dad today, and his journey to faith, all while intertwining Psalm 19. I also want to encourage you to keep hope for your loved ones who have not yet accepted Jesus, and give YOU hope too, if you’re seeking the Lord but unsure. God’s love is all about forgiveness, and He loves you with every fiber of His Being. Soak in His love as we dive into Psalm 19.
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Transcription:
It’s Friday, so you know what that means. It is time for Joy Bombs in the Psalms on the Bible for Busy People. I’m Erica, your host, and I have a really special story to share with you today about the Psalm you and I are about to read together. Psalm 19, it always takes me back to when I was about 17 years old and my parents took me to this Christian college in New York. We were trying to figure out if this is where I was supposed to go, and at the time, my dad didn’t know Jesus. He wasn’t a believer yet. He had not accepted his love and forgiveness, and I was just so excited that he had agreed to come with us. To hang out on this Christian campus, even if it was just for this one day. And so, we were in this info session and I can still see the room. It had a log cabin feel to it, and they read this Psalm. I remember my heart feeling so excited and thinking, oh, my dad is hearing God’s Word right now. And I’ll tell you what happened 20 years after this moment, after we read the Psalm together. Join me now in Psalm 19 verse one.
The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
I have to pause here and pitch a little tent because isn’t it true when you look up on a starry night and you see all of the incredible things that God has placed in the sky? Doesn’t it just make you go, wow,! Someone must have created this? Or if you already believe, you’re thinking, wow God, not only did you create these stars, but you named them. Yeah, the Bible says God has named each star. And if he knows their names, just know today that he knows your name. He counts the hairs on your head as we read this week together. He just loves you that much. You don’t count the hairs of somebody who you don’t love. Okay, let’s go back to Psalm 19 now.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. 5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. 6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat. 7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.
You need a soul revival right now? You’re reading his word. This is God reviving you right now.
The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them. 12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
Now we’re coming up on verse 14. Highlight this one in your Bible. This is another prayer you and I can take into the new year.
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Isn’t that beautiful? Do you mind if I read it again? Lord, we pray this together, my friend and I right now. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heartbe pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. in Jesus name. Amen.
Wow. Okay. I promised to wrap up today’s episode with a conclusion to my dad’s story. So, I was praying for him for 20 years to come to Christ. I started praying for him a year before that moment at the Christian College when he heard Psalm 19, the one we just read for the first time. I prayed and I prayed, and there was one time he even said, “Don’t ever talk to me about this again, this Jesus thing.” Threw down the newspaper. I’ll never forget it. And when he was 62 years old, this always makes me emotional because I’m so grateful. He gave his heart to Jesus. He accepted the love and forgiveness of Christ, and my Dad was baptized. I’ll never forget the water flowing over his salt and pepper hair. I couldn’t believe it. I still can’t believe it. My dad has led Bible studies since then. He wears a cross around his neck. There is so much hope for that person you love who doesn’t yet believe in Jesus. Or maybe if it’s you think I never could, oh my goodness, you can. You can accept his love. There’s nothing you’ve done that prevents you from accepting the love and forgiveness of Christ. Nothing you’ve done is greater than what Jesus did on the cross for you, for you are so loved.
Thank you for making time for the Bible, for Busy People today. If being part of this community is a blessing to you, it’s super easy to share this podcast with someone you love. We’re all about spreading the hope of Jesus like butter. So, if you’ve got a moment to write a review, boy, we’d really appreciate that. Maybe you need a little prayer today, or you are ready to take that next step with God. I invite you to check out our show notes. You’re going to find lots of encouragement there. This podcast is one branch on a tree called Purposely, a podcast network designed with practical podcasts to help you find and thrive in God’s purpose for your life. If you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose.
