I’ve been reading the Psalms and I keep coming across texts that I’ve usually skimmed over but that speak in a startlingly direct way to contemporary questions. I’ve blogged about some that deal with aesthetic issues and with artists. Here is one that deals with scientists:
Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them. (Psalm 111:2)
A person takes “delight in” something that God has made; that is, some aspect of the physical world or facet of existence. That delight leads to study, to learning more and more about this work of the Lord.
A person may find delight in animals, rocks, the human immune system, stars, sub-atomic particles. Or, by extension, anything else. This is also a text for scholars of every kind.
It’s interesting to note that “delight” is a legitimate factor in finding one’s vocation.
Psalm 111 ESV :
Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In