Psalms of Wisdom - Kerryn Malone
It's easy to feel a bit lost in our bustling, often overwhelming world, isn't it? So many voices clamouring for our attention, each offering their version of what's true, what's good, and how to live a happy life. But where do we find a solid foundation, a wisdom that truly endures?
This past Sunday, our wonderful Kerryn Malone shared a powerful message at One Church, diving deep into Psalm 19 as part of our 'Out of the Depths: Psalms of Praise, Lament and Wisdom' series. In this post, we'll explore the beautiful ways God reveals himself through creation and His Word, and how leaning into His wisdom can transform our everyday lives. You can find the full sermon audio and video below as well as a summary of Kerryn’s message and some questions for personal reflection and small group discussion.
Understanding the Message: God's Voice in Creation and Scripture
Kerryn kicked off her sermon by helping us understand what wisdom truly is. It's more than just knowing things; it's about discerning what's true and right, and then applying that knowledge to make sound choices. She used a brilliant example of mountain climbers wisely turning around on Everest, even when close to the summit, because they had discerned the right path before they even started. It's about making wise choices, even when they're tough.
Psalm 19, penned by King David, beautifully illustrates how we can encounter God's wisdom in three incredible ways. First, David celebrates how God is revealed through His world.
The opening verses of Psalm 19 declare:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." (Psalm 19:1-2)
Imagine that! The vastness of the sky, the brilliance of the sun, the intricate beauty of nature – they are all speaking to us, without words, about the magnificent Creator. David invites us to simply look up, look around, and see the fingerprints of God everywhere. It's a natural, awe-inspiring revelation that reminds us of God's incredible power and artistry.
But David doesn't stop there. He then shifts our gaze from the grandeur of creation to the profound depth of God's Word.
"The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul; the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart; the commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes." (Psalm 19:7-8)
Kerryn highlighted that when we hear "law," we might think of rules or regulations. But in this context, David is speaking about all of God's instruction – His entire pattern for living. It's not about being legalistic; it's about embracing a way of life that is "perfect," "trustworthy," "right," and "radiant." God's Word isn't a burden; it's a gift that refreshes us, makes us wise, brings us joy, and lights up our path.
Kerryn shared a wonderful story about her family getting lost in the dark on a walk and how turning on their phone torches immediately brought clarity and confidence. It's such a great picture of how God's Word illuminates our way, making our path safe and sure.
Connecting to Our Lives: The Reward of Living God's Way
So, what does all this mean for us, right here, right now? We live in an age overflowing with information, advice, and a billion different "wisdoms" vying for our attention. Kerryn pointed out that 100 years ago, the average person would be exposed to roughly the same amount of information in their entire lifetime as is contained in a single edition of the New York Times today! We're not short on data; we're often short on wisdom about how to navigate it all.
The world constantly encourages us to focus on "self": "you do you," "live your truth," "the answer is within you." While these aren't inherently evil, Kerryn wisely noted that:
"It just falls so far short because it's often based on human experience which although again is not bad. It's fleeting. It's changeable and it differs from person to person."
God's wisdom, however, is enduring and righteous. It's for every step of our journey, not just the big decisions, but the small, daily choices that shape our lives. And the amazing thing? There’s a "great reward" in keeping God's commands. David explains that this isn't a prize we get after doing something; the reward is in the living of it. When we align our lives with God's intended pattern, we experience a richness and fulfilment that worldly pursuits just can't match. We actually live far more rewarding lives when we live the way our Creator intended!
Finally, David speaks of how God is revealed through His work in our lives. This is where transformation happens. As we lean into God's Word, it shines a light on our hidden faults and helps us move away from willful sins. Paul echoes this in Romans 12:2, urging us not to conform to the pattern of this world but to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
There's no middle ground here; we are always being formed into something. The crucial question Kerryn posed for us is: "What are you leaning into?" What are we allowing to influence our thoughts, our reading, our listening, our watching? These are the things that will ultimately shape us.
Ultimately, Kerryn reminded us that this tangible, lived-out wisdom of God is found most perfectly in Jesus. He didn't invite people to convert to a religion; He invited them to follow His way of life. When we lean into Jesus, we see what true wisdom looks like – in how He related to His Father, how He loved others, how He invested His time, and how He always kept His eyes on God's kingdom.
We are so privileged to have God's Word, a King who invites us to seek Him, and His Spirit who leads us into all truth. We're not lost at sea; we have a confident hope in God's passionate love for us.
Kerryn's sermon beautifully reminded us that true wisdom comes from God – revealed in the grandeur of His creation, the transforming power of His Word, and His ongoing work in our lives. When we choose to lean into His enduring wisdom, rather than the fleeting advice of the world, we discover a joyful, refreshing, and truly rewarding way to live.
One Way to Live it Out this week
This week, pick one specific piece of advice or wisdom you've heard recently from the world (e.g., from social media, a self-help book, or a conversation) and compare it against a teaching from God's Word. Ask yourself: Does this align with God's heart for me?
A Short Prayer for your week
Father God, thank you for your perfect Word that lights our path and renews our souls. Help us this week to lean into your wisdom, to see you in your creation, and to be transformed by your Spirit. May our lives reflect the joy and peace found in following your ways. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflection/Discussion Questions
For Personal Reflection:
When was a recent time you felt overwhelmed by too much information or conflicting advice? How did you respond?
Can you think of an example from your own life where applying something you knew (knowledge) turned into true wisdom through difficult choices?
How has God's Word been a "light to your path" in a specific situation recently?
For Small Group Discussion:
Psalm 19 speaks of the heavens declaring God's glory. When have you experienced a moment in nature that truly spoke to you of God's awesomeness?
Kerryn defined wisdom as "discerning what is true and right and then applying what we know to make sound judgments and decisions." How does this definition resonate with you?
The sermon contrasted worldly wisdom with God's enduring wisdom. What are some specific examples of "worldly wisdom" that you encounter regularly?
Psalm 19:7-8 describes God's law as "perfect, refreshing the soul" and "giving joy to the heart." In what ways have you found living God's way to be refreshing or joyful, rather than burdensome?
Kerryn mentioned that "in keeping [God's commands] there is great reward" – not as a prize at the end, but in the process of following God's pattern. What does this mean to you in a practical sense?
Kerryn asked, "What are you leaning into?" What influences (e.g., books, podcasts, social media, people) do you intentionally allow to shape your thinking and choices? How do you ensure these align with God's wisdom?
The sermon ended by reminding us that God's wisdom is found in Jesus. What's one practical way you can "lean into Jesus" this week to learn from Him how to live the life of the kingdom?
Let's share one area where we need God's wisdom this week and pray for one another.