Many are saying, “Who will show us any good?”  Psalm 4:6a

The Psalmist is asking “Who will show us any good?”  This same question is still being asked by many today.  As we prayed through this Psalm, the Lord opened our hearts to see that David’s  question still captures the cry of our human hearts.

“Who will show us any good?”  Most of us, if we dare to admit it, would answer David’s question that the only good I am shown is the good I earn.  This becomes our modus operandi to control how we live.  Out of pride or fear we believe there will be no good unless we bring it.

This striving to be our own good manifests itself in many destructive and harmful, soul crushing ways.  In our families it is exhibited in performance.  In our workplace it is exhibited as career ambition.  In our personal lives as materialism and busyness.  In our churches as programs.

Is there a better way?  That is what the Psalmist is asking.  That is what we are searching for.

The way does not lie within us.  The better way is a person.  This person is Jesus…the way, the truth, and the life.  David affirms that the answer to his question about the source of goodness is not found in ourselves:

“Let the light of your face shine on us,  O Lord!”  Psalm 4:6b

David is speaking of an intimate relationship with Jesus.  One where we can look Him in the face and the light of His presence invades and overwhelms our darkness.  In this light we are revealed for who we truly are.   This is why we are afraid of the light.  We are afraid because there are things about our lives we do not like.  There are things that are broken.  Things that are soiled.  Things that cause us shame.

We come to this place where we know Jesus has what we need but we are hesitant to come.  This is where we must be still and hear His voice.  His voice inviting us to come.  His voice saying “You are My Beloved.”  His voice is saying “I have chosen you for Myself.”   We only hear this voice while we are in the light where all pretense is  exposed and stripped away.  It has to be this way if we are to respond authentically with our true self.    In this place of being exposed and vulnerable we live from our true self.  As we learn to live from our true self with Jesus, we can learn to live from our true self with those around us.  In the light of His presence we begin to grasp that our true self is made in the image of Christ.  We begin to understand that we are His, that He takes care of us, that we are secure.  This is good news that puts gladness in our hearts.

“You have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and wine abound.”  Psalm 4:6

Father, Who will show me any good?  You have shown me good in the light of your presence.  You have put joy and gladness in my heart.  Help me to live out this joy for your glory.  In Jesus name.

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