March 8

Psalm 19 is a beautiful passage of scripture, and verses 9 and 10 convey a truth that is quickened to the hearts of those who love the Lord but is lost to the minds of the rebellious of heart. It says, “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever, the law of the lord is true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea than much fine gold! They are also sweeter than honey.”

The word fear does not mean trepidation, it means reverential awe. When we hold the Lord in reverence it is because we have an understanding, though finite, of His purity. We recognize His great power, His unfathomable love, His compassion that required Him to devise a plan of salvation for us, but we can hardly wrap our minds around His absolute purity. How can creatures of a fallen world, sullied by our own sin, appropriate the concept of One who is absolutely clean!

In conjunction with His purity is His law. He is the essence of His law and the fulfillment of His law. Neither He nor it have ever been or can ever be corrupted or diminished. The total fulfillment of God’s immutable law was evidenced in the perfect, sinless life of Jesus. Our hearts’ longing, if we are His, is to manifest His purity and perfection.

Because we have been washed clean by His shed blood, we are given the privilege of wearing the robe of His righteousness that Jesus has supplied. In walking by His side, adorned with His loveliness, reflecting His perfection is a sweetness that exceeds any of life’s delectable pleasures. Because we walk in reverential fear.