In many ways David is as enigmatic a personality in Scripture as anyone. But one of the things that resonates with me about him is that he too was a ponderer. We can see this throughout the Psalms but especially in Psalm 19.
He ponders the creation of God (vs. 1-6) – I suspect that he spent a lot of time up on the roof of his palace. And when he was not looking down on other rooftops watching beautiful women take a bath (as in the case of Bathsheba), he was most likely looking up into the heavens and pondering the greatness and the glory of the God who created everything. He would meditate on his observations and then take pen and paper and put his thoughts in the form of songs – as he does here in Psalm 19. As a musician, this was how he best expressed what was going on in his heart. And this is indeed how we know that he was a “man after God’s own heart” – despite the many other failings that the man had.
He ponders the Word of God (vs. 7- 11) – It is also obvious that David spent a lot of time thinking about what he was reading in the Torah – the books of Moses (Genesis – Deuteronomy). When his soul felt empty this is where he went to get refreshed (v.7a). When he needed counsel, this is where he went for wisdom (v.7b). When he was depressed, this is where he found joy in God (v.8). When he felt lost and far from God, this is where he went to get back on track (vs. 9-11). And just as he did as he pondered God’s creation, he would put his musings to music as he pondered God’s Word.
This resonates with me because I do the same thing. I have written dozens of poems and songs that have been inspired by my ponderings of the world and the Word. Some of them I have posted HERE. And I have written hundreds of blog posts that have captured my thoughts on “paper”. The point is that you want to find a way to share what you are pondering – even if it is just for your own personal benefit – like keeping a personal journal. Somehow taking this intentional step, beyond just reading and thinking, helps to solidify in your heart the things that you have pondered in your mind.
At least it does so for me!