Napoleon Bonaparte, the great French military leader, was once asked, “Is God on the side of France?” Intoxicated with the power of his own success he retorted, “God is on the side that has the heaviest artillery.” Later the dictator boasted, “I make circumstances.” But that was before the battle of Waterloo. In 1815 despite his superior weaponry he lost both the battle and his empire. The dictator was humbled and exiled. On the barren island of St. Helena he changed his perspective. The once proud man acknowledged, “Man proposes but God disposes.” Napoleon’s fall is a valuable lesson. God is in control. He is sovereign. We must hear His voice. We must obey Him.

Does God speak today? Of course He does! Psalm 19:1-14 spells out two ways that
God speaks today…..

The first way God speaks is through the world around us. Verse 1 says, “The heavens (the sun, stars and planets) declare the glory of God; and the expanse (sky, clouds and weather) shows His handiwork.” The creation demonstrates the power and glory of God. This communication of God is unceasing. Verses 2-3 continue, “Day to day pours forth speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard.” Even though creation does not speak audible words, its voice reaches all nations. The entire globe is covered with the handiwork of God.

An example of the handiwork of God is the albatross. It is an amazing bird. It has a wingspan of nearly twelve feet. An adult albatross can fly one thousand miles in a single day! They stay aloft most of the time. They land only on the water or on boats to rest. A young albatross might circle the world up to seven times before ever touching solid earth. The only time an albatross will come onto land is when it breeds in the Antarctic. Some of them live up to eighty years. Who made this tremendous animal? God made him. It all points to the existence of God.

Through the world around us we know that God exists and He is very powerful. In verses 4b-5 David illustrates this by pointing to the sun. The sun “is like a bridegroom coming out of his tent…” The sun is radiant, glowing, beaming and bright. The sun “rejoices like a strong man to run his race.” It is strong, tireless, enduring and always moving forward. The glory of God is clearly seen in the sun. As it makes its daily journey across the sky it pours out its heat on every creature making its presence felt. So it is with God making Himself known through the sun.

The second way that God speaks today is through the Word of God. In verse 7 David shifted focus. He describes the Bible. “The law of the Lord is perfect (whole, complete, sufficient, lacking nothing, comprehensive) reviving the soul.” The Word of God is so perfect it converts, restores and transforms the entire person.

Verse 8 says, “The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” God does not stutter. His voice is not dark and mysterious. It is clear and bright. It is a lamp and a light. Verse 9 says, “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever…” Scripture is flawless, enduring truth. It is without error. The Bible will never pass away. It never needs editing, updating or amending.

In verses 10-11 the psalmist says, “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” God’s Word is infinitely more desirable and valuable than anything this world has to offer. The sacred writings are sweeter than honey. They fully satisfy our spiritual cravings.

David ended the psalm by saying, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight…” In order to please God we must hear the voice of God. The voice of God always points to Jesus. Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus is our substitute. He paid the price of our sins through His death, burial and resurrection.