General And Special

May 23, 2022

We are on the 19th day of Psalms for the Summer.

Psalm 19 is one of my favorite Psalms as it addresses both of what is called General and Special Revelation.

General Revelation is defined as “the general truths we can know about God through nature.” Psalm 19: 1-6 capture this beautifully, when David writes,

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they reveal knowledge.

3 They have no speech, they use no words;

no sound is heard from them.

4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

6 It rises at one end of the heavens

and makes its circuit to the other;

nothing is deprived of its warmth.

- Psalm 19:1-6

Many people are drawn to God through His Creation, through nature. It is how they connect with Him, where they experience Him in very real ways. My wife, Pastor Pam, is one of those people. Her time on the patio in the morning, watching the sunrise, or being at the ocean and watching the sunset, are times when she feels closest to God. She cherishes those moments.

Special Revelation is defined as “the more specific truths that can be known about God.” One of those ways is through His Word. Psalm 19:7-13 capture this beautifully when David writes,

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,

refreshing the soul.

The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,

making wise the simple.

8 The precepts of the Lord are right,

giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the Lord are radiant,

giving light to the eyes.

9 The fear of the Lord is pure,

enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

and all of them are righteous.

10 They are more precious than gold,

than much pure gold;

they are sweeter than honey,

than honey from the honeycomb.

11 By them your servant is warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

12 But who can discern their own errors?

Forgive my hidden faults.

13 Keep your servant also from willful sins;

may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless,

innocent of great transgression.

- Psalm 19:7-13

Just as many are drawn to God through nature, many others are drawn to Him through His Word. They connect with and experience Him in very real ways through His inspired Word, the Bible. This is the way I am wired. When I spend time with Him in His Word, it speaks to me and opens my heart. When I read His truths, I feel alive. I cherish those moments.

There is no right or wrong. Regardless of whether General or Special Revelation is the way in which you feel closest to God, pursue those opportunities, but don’t neglect the other in the process. Both are important and meaningful, and both lead us to the final verse of this chapter,

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart

be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

- Psalm 19:14