The Psalms in General
* The psalms are poetry, apparently written over a period of more than 800 years.
* Various people wrote the psalms, with 73 of the 150 psalms attributed to David.
* In the Old Testament period, the psalms were used for public and private worship. They are sometimes called "the Hymnbook of the Old Testament."
* While the psalms are Old Testament poetry, they effectively communicate truths about God and humanity; and point to the good news of Jesus Christ revealed in the New Testament.

The Heavens Speak

* Psalm 19 is attributed to David, Israel's great king. Read Psalm 19:1-6.

1. The heavens "declare," "proclaim," and "pour forth speech." According to this psalm, what do the heavens say?

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).

2. In what ways do the heavens speak?

3. To whom do the heavens speak? Who can hear them? (19:4a)

* "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20, NIV).

4. If nature clearly "speaks" about God, why do many people not "hear" it?

The Scientists Speak
* Many people will listen more to a scientist than a theologian. However, many scientists agree that nature provides strong evidence for the existence of God. As a small sample…
* Allan Sandage (one of the fathers of modern astronomy): "I find it quite improbable that such order came out of chaos. There has to be an organizing principle. God to me is a mystery but is the explanation for the miracle of existence - why there is something rather than nothing."
* Charles Townes (winner of Nobel Prize in Physics in 1964) said, "In my view, the question of origin seems to be left unanswered if we explore it from a scientific point of view. Thus, I believe there is a need for some religious or metaphysical explanation. I believe in the concept of God and his existence."

The Sun Runs
* In verses 4b-6, one part of the heavens (the sun) is personified for poetic effect. The sun is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, and a champion rejoicing to run his course across the skies. In any case, the one true God is the sun's creator and ruler.

5. In what ways does God's creation speak to you? Share from your personal experience.

Reflection/Application
† What does nature say to you? Do you disagree that it declares the glory of God? Why? If you do not believe in a Creator, seek to know why many intelligent people do believe in God.

† Christians, do the heavens make you want to praise God? Do you appreciate the wonder and beauty of God's creation? Develop habits of reflecting on God's creation and praising him.