Our lessons this morning feels like an archery target. The psalm starts with the long view, the perspective of the psalmist marveling at the beauty of creation.

“The heavens are telling the glory of God,” it begins, but that translation doesn’t quite capture the essence of what is to be expressed Psalm 19:1 (NRSV). It more closely means, “The heavens are continually telling the glory of God.” It’s always happening, without ceasing. All we have to do is look up, notice the beauty of the stars, feel the warmth of the sun, marvel at the shape of the clouds, and we are reminded of God’s glory.

Next, the psalm does something surprising — after the majestic language about God as the Creator of the universe, the sustainer of heaven, the psalm devotes the next verses to praising God for the gift of …