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Miranda Alfaro December 11, 2013 Introduction to the Old Testament Journal Part 10

Throughout this journal assignment with our chosen piece of scripture, I have learned a lot about Psalm 19 throughout the semester. The meaning of this passage is slightly similar today as it was back then to the people of that time period. The Psalm is divided into two parts, the hymn to the sun and meditating on wisdom. The passage is known to give divine instruction to all people in any time period. It shows that Gods commandments keep us safe and make the blessings worth it. The New Interpreters Bible describes Psalm 19 as a hymn of praise to God with a mention of a petition for forgiveness. This is what it would be described as during the Old Testament days. The verse proclaims that both the beauty of His creation and His law makes God the ruler of all. It uses David as an example of someone asking God for forgiveness and for advice to keep on the right path. This shows that during the Old Testament days people still needed Gods instruction in their lives just as we need it today.

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The writers that collected these writings held near to them as they provided words of wisdom and a reminder of what to be grateful for. That is Gods creation and divine instruction. This protected them and made their lives the fullest that they could be. This instruction the direction the writers felt by the passage was similar to that of what it means today when applied in contemporary situations. In todays world, people still need the instruction that Psalm 19 brings. It speaks of appreciating Gods handiwork and that if we obey His law and direction many benefits and blessings will exist. It also says that we should not follow Gods path in order for the blessings, that the blessings are like a bonus. We shall follow Gods direction because He made us and loves us and has these divine instructions in order to protect us. I know this is true as I reflect upon my own life. All of the times I have felt safe and secure is when I was obeying God and putting Him before myself. When I made decisions based upon what would please God, the blessings overflowed and the peace and safety I felt was more than I could have imagined if I chose to do what I wanted. However, as I got older and made some unwise choices of my own that went against Gods divine instruction for our lives, I was rejected, hurt, sad, angry, jealous, and just felt lost. This shows that God has these instructions as Psalm 19 points out to protect us because God loves and cares about us and wants to see His people change and love on the world for Him.