PSALM 4 GOD-SHINE

Written by , Rector of St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia
 
¹ Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
² How long, O men, will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
Selah
³ Know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD will hear when I call to him.
⁴ In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.
Selah
⁵ Offer right sacrifices and trust in the LORD.
⁶ Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
⁷ You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.
⁸ I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Occasionally during the year the full moon rises well before the sun sets. At 4 o’clock in the afternoon you can look to the eastern sky and see the pale almost transparent disc of the moon. Several hours later, after the sun has set, that same moon shines with a white light that illumines the darkened landscape. When we are at a moment of peace in our lives, God’s “face” is like that of the moon on a sunny afternoon. Unless we are intentional about looking for him we do not even notice his presence. But when our lives are darkened by suffering and travail, if we look to God his presence is like that of a full moon in the clear, dark midnight sky. God is ever present and active in our lives, but he is easy to ignore during the light of day. It is when our “lights” go out that we find ourselves absolutely dependent upon God.

The world’s opinion about God’s presence is like that of our forefathers who thought the light of the full moon caused lunacy. Although we love light, the full moon on a clear night has been associated with sinister events and beings. Throughout human history men have sought to placate capricious gods who were known to cause all kind of havoc and suffering in the world. But the truth about God has been revealed in his Word and he has shown himself to be steadfast in love and mercy. As modern man revels in the reflected light of a full moon, Christians seek the light of God’s countenance to guide them through the dark nights of terror and suffering. We can trust God even at our darkest moments to shine the light of his eternal protection on us. Of that we can rest assured.

Through your Word, O Lord, you have promised to walk with me and bring me into your eternal dwelling place. In my moments of doubt and despair, open my eyes so that I might behold your light and steadfastly walk according to your way. May I develop a constant knowledge of your presence in my life and know the joy and contentment that only comes from you. Amen.