MEDITATION: Psalm 4:6 by Alan J. Hommerding

From Everyday Psalms

There are many who say,
“O that we might see some good!
Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord!”

Ancient Israel had a deep and potent personal relationship with God, and the language of personal encounter imbues their writings.  Yet for the Israelites, seeing the face of God was a frightening proposition: nobody could look upon God’s face and live.  But the countenance of God was life-giving; it was considered a source of blessing, light, and (in this passage) goodness itself.  Only in one context could one look upon the face of God and life: when called to life eternal.

 

PRAYER

God of life eternal,
let your face shine upon me.
Watch over me, guide me;
with your tender gaze bless me
all the days of my life.

 

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LIVING THE PRAYER

Today I will be a source of the light of God’s face for someone by doing good.

Can I see the irony in saying that I would like to see some good happen in the world, but doing nothing to help it happen?  Who has seen God’s face in my face or deeds?

THE NEW TESTAMENT SINGS

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
(Matthew 5:8)