Psalm 4:6 There be many that say, Who will show us any good? LORD, lift you up the light of your countenance on us. However all men have a common nature, yet grace makes a vast difference among them. As it makes difference in their understandings, so in their wills. In this text the world is divided into two parties. In some things they agree; as in the sense of defects; and in their desire of supplies. There are some things in which they differ, as the object of their desires; the ways they take for accomplishing their desires; the success of their desires. Doctrine: It is a great desire of gracious souls to have the light of the Lord's countenance lifted up upon them. I. SPEAK TO THE CASE HERE SUPPOSED. The saint, the child of light, may sometimes sit in darkness. How far may this darkness proceed? It may go so far that they cannot see to read their evidences for heaven; they cannot see above them, nor look up to heaven. The very thing that was their light before may be as darkness to them. They may be unable to discern their best friend from their foe. They may lose sight of their guide, and of their way-marks. They may be weary of their very lives. II. THE DESIRE OF THE GRACIOUS SOUL. To have the light of God's countenance implies a state of reconciliation with God; the Lord's laying aside any special controversy with the soul; a communication of gracious influences, and an intimation of God's love to the soul. (T. Boston, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.WEB: Many say, "Who will show us any good?" Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us. |
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