“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14, ESV)

David certainly had a way with words. He could articulate the highs and lows of human experience like no one else. In times when he felt afraid or overwhelmed, his songs encouraged his heart and reminded him of the goodness of God.

Psalm 19 is one of David’s epic psalms because of how it exalts the Word of God.

“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19:7–11, ESV)

Perhaps the reason David was a man after God’s own heart was because of his close relationship with God’s Word. It was full of laws, precepts and commandments, yet David rejoiced in them more than in riches or in the sweetest food. David loved God’s Word because it protected him from harm and greatly rewarded him.

It also was a searchlight for his heart.

“How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.” (Psalm 19:12–13, NLT)

David understood the deceitfulness of sin and the corruption of his own heart. How could he discern all the evil within? Only God could help him search his heart and cleanse him from hidden faults before they became presumptuous sins that would greatly harm him and others. In this way every believer ought to examine himself with the Word and the Holy Spirit.

David closes his prayer with a petition that both the words of his mouth and the meditation of his heart would be acceptable and pleasing to the LORD, his Rock and his Redeemer. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. If we carefully watch our thoughts, then our words will take care of themselves. God is willing to help us with both, for He is our Rock and our Redeemer, and He desires us to partake in His holiness.

If we will have such a love relationship with God and His Word, then we will ensure a fruitful life and a glorious eternal home!