No Speech Nor Words

The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.
Day to day pours forth speech,And night to night reveals knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
Their voice is not heard.
Their line has gone out through all the earth,
And their utterances to the end of the world
In them He has placed a tent for the sun,
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
Psalm 19: 1 - 5(NASB)

My pastor recently taught on this passage, reminding us how God’s glory is proclaimed in nature (which isn’t hard to remember during the fiery and vibrant fall in New England). However, he highlighted the third verse, “There is no speech, nor are there words; Their voice is not heard,” which in the more familiar New International Version has a word added to try to clarify. This addition actually causes the verse to read a little differently: “There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard” (emphasis mine).

I am a woman of many words. I am not spare with my descriptions. I talk loudly and quickly and my emails are full of details. However, this passage reminded me that sometimes too many words can detract from message. The translations that accurately reflect the original language reinforces the idea that we can serve God and point to God without any words at all, just as creation does.

I thought of all the times that I could restrain my tongue and silently serve or glorify God:

• Be a good listener
• Smile at a stranger who looks like they need it
• Roll up my sleeves and tackle a much-needed home project
• Help someone
• Meditate in my heart on His word or songs that glorify Him

What about you? Are there times that you’ve found that in the area of words or sound that less is more? How do you serve or praise God with no speech nor words?