For the director of
music. A psalm of David.
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 display knowledge.
3. There is no speech or
language
where their voice is not heard.
4. Their voice goes out into all
the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,
5. which is like a bridegroom
coming forth from his pavilion,
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 hidden from its heat.
7. The law of the LORD is
perfect,
reviving 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 ordinances of the LORD are sure
and altogether righteous.
10. They are more precious than
gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.
11. By them is your servant
warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
12. Who can discern his
errors?
Forgive my hidden faults.
13. Keep your servant also from
willful sins;
may they not rule over me.
Then will I be blameless,
innocent of great transgression.
14. May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Think of your conscience
as God's voice. As Proverbs 20:27 puts it,
The lamp of the LORD
searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his
inmost being.
And what does this "lamp" use
for its inspection criteria? Verse 11 above indicates
that it's God's Scriptures.
If you're a born-again
Christian, count on God's "lamp" — your
conscience — to alert you to danger. It will
speak with more authority and power the more you read
the Scriptures. (If you're not born-again,
click
here to find out how you can
be.)
This is good news for us porn
strugglers trying to stand strong. The more we fuel
our conscience with the oil of Scripture, the better
we're able to discern our "errors" and "hidden faults"
(see verse 12, above). And the more empowered we are
to resist temptation.
So read (and heed) the lamp of
Scripture.
Expect revival of your soul,
wisdom, joy and light to your eyes.