C.S. Lewis, who wrote the Chronicles of Narnia, called Psalm 19 “one of the greatest poems in the world.”

After celebrating God’s creative glory in the sun, the moon, and the stars, Psalm 19 celebrates God’s even greater revelation in his Torah. In English, the Hebrew word Torah is often trans­lated as “law.” At its root, it simply means, “God’s Word for those who want to live in a way pleasing to God.” God gives his Torah as a guide for his people.

Psalm 19 celebrates the Torah, God’s Word, as a reflection of God’s love, mercy, and holiness. Today, because of Jesus’ saving grace, we know that following God’s law is not about staying between the lines; it’s about loving, serving, and living for God, in his strength. People who follow God’s way are blessed with refreshment, wisdom, joy, and enlightenment.

Psalm 19 also gives a brief and helpful summary of God’s Torah presented in Psalm 119, a much longer psalm that cele­brates and elaborates on the value of living by God’s Word always. For a life of loving service to God, Psalm 119 shows us the Creator who delights in his world and his children.

At the close of Psalm 19, the writer falls to his knees in humility and reverence before God. And this month, as we look into the teaching of Psalm 119, may we all be inspired to do the same.