Psalm 19: Proclaiming God's Aura

Psalm 19
Proclaiming God's Aura

1. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

2. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.

3. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them.

4. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.

◇ The term "aura" refers to an invisible emanation or subtle fragrance that surrounds a person or object, creating a unique atmosphere. It describes a feeling that is perceived without needing words or explanations.

This concept was used in the art theory of the German philosopher Walter Benjamin. An artwork does not speak, but it possesses a unique something that can be felt—this is its aura.

The first part of Psalm 19 seems to sing about God's aura.

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,

they have no speech,

they use no words,

no sound is heard from them,

yet their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

Nothing is deprived of its warmth.

God's creations do not speak, yet through their aura, they declare God's glory and proclaim the work of his hands. This is perhaps why Paul said that we can know God through all of creation (Romans 1:20).

Both David and Paul sing that all of creation possesses an aura that proclaims and reveals the God who made them.

What kind of aura is emanating from me?

Is the glory of the God who made me being proclaimed?

Is the work of God being revealed?

♧ God, what kind of aura do I have? Do I have an aura that reveals your glory? May I possess an aura that proclaims your glory, even without words. Holy Spirit, guide me in truth. Amen.