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In this text two different and opposite characters are introduced. The true Christian differs widely from all others, with respect to the ultimate object of his desires and pursuits. His treasure is in heaven, and there his heart is also. He draws all his hope and happiness from the favour of God, and the enjoyment of His love.

I. THE DISPOSITION OF UNREGENERATE MEN, as represented in this text. "Who will make us to see good?" To see good is an expression which denotes the enjoyment of it. This desire, and the manner in which it is expressed, imply —

1. A departure flora the original constitution of human nature. Man was a creature flamed to derive all his happiness from intercourse with his Maker. While he continued in a state of rectitude, he enjoyed consummate blessedness. Man, in innocence, found in the Divine favour and fellowship a source of happiness pure and inexhaustible. What a melancholy change sin produced. Communion with God was wholly interrupted. Man came to ask for "any good," any present, sensible, worldly good.

2. An idolatrous attachment to the world. Fallen man having cast off God, exalts the world into His throne. All natural men set their hearts on some created good, from which they expect their best happiness. Whatever draws the heart away from God, and occupies His room in the affections, is a sin of the deepest dye, it is the vilest idolatry.

3. A disposition strictly to examine all the sources of worldly bliss. Every object that promises entertainment is greedily embraced.

4. The question is expressive of the dissatisfaction attendant on all earthly pursuits. Many are the expedients which are devised by the lovers of this world to obtain the "good" which they do ardently pant after, but they all fail of success. The world, with all its splendid ornaments, is a mere picture of felicity, and ever disappoints and deceives its votaries. True peace and rest they never find.

5. A disposition to renew the pursuit after worldly happiness, notwithstanding repeated disappointments.

II. CONTRAST THE DISPOSITION OF THESE WITH THAT OF RENEWED AND SANCTIFIED SOULS. The text gives the breathings of their hearts. The terms used are figurative, but highly significant. God is a Spirit, and therefore hath no bodily members. He is pleased to address men in their own language. Men express favour or displeasure by the different appearances of countenance which they assume. The "light of God's countenance" denotes a sense of His love as a reconciled Father in Christ Jesus. This ardent desire to enjoy the smiles of God's benign countenance includes in it —

1. Some knowledge and experience of the condescension and grace of God in accepting sinners through Christ Jesus. God has manifested His love in providing a Saviour for us exactly suited to our wants.

2. This prayer is expressive of supreme delight in communion with God. Nothing is more characteristic of a Christian than this. He pants after the Divine fellowship, as the principle of all his enjoyment, the very happiness of his being.

3. Cordially to join in this prayer of the Psalmist, supposes the high value and diligent use of every means of Divine institution where God has promised to meet with His people.

4. It also implies a longing desire for the full enjoyment of God in heaven. Conclusion:(1) Let everyone here inquire what is the temper of his mind and the tendency of his heart.

(2) See the extreme folly of those who yield themselves to this worlds influence for the attainment of happiness.

(T. Chalmers, D. D.)

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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.