You may have been taught that there are two ways we know about God, or two kinds of knowledge that we have about God: Natural and Revealed. Nature and the world around us tell us that there is a God, but not who He is. The revealed knowledge of God is His Word, where He tells us who He is and what we need to know about Him.

Psalm 19 speaks of these two sources of information about God. The beginning of the Psalm reminds us that nature is indeed a way we can know there is a God.

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 display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.

Nature speaks loudly and clearly that there is someone in control who put all those things together, who made it all. As the Psalm continues, we hear that God’s Word tells us what we need to know about the one who did all that:

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving 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. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous.       They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

The terms that refer to God’s Word are law, statutes, precepts, commands and ordinances. That Word is precious because it tells us what we need to know.

Soon I will visit the Texas coast. I love the beach and sea breezes. Then I will spend some time in Colorado. I also love the beauty of the mountains and the cool, clear streams. I have been fortunate enough to visit a wide variety of places and seen all kinds of beauty in forests and desserts and lakes and prairies. But none of those places told me that I am a sinner who needs forgiveness. Nor did they tell me that the Creator of all has provided a way for me to be forgiven. That message only comes from God’s revelation of Himself in His Word and His Word made flesh.

I am glad I know there is a God when I look at the world around me. I am even more delighted that He has revealed Himself and His forgiveness and salvation to me in the face of Christ.