There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O LORD!”1
An eye witness is called and is asked to identify the person. To qualify as a witness, proof of his proximity and presence is asked of the witness. Describing the face in detail is one of the proofs that he saw the person. People were hard of heart, full of doubts, and refused to trust God. Not David. He knew that God wasn’t distant but present and in close proximity. Yes, having been chosen,2 with confidence he could rightly ask for God’s presence. I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill.3 By calling out aloud to the LORD from his holy hill, David knew that he would be heard; and that God would show himself.
There is nothing more that David desired than God’s presence. For the joy of the LORD was his strength.4 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.5 He declared, You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound.6
He not only had joy but also peace. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.7 He had a confident assurance that with God he was safe.
David was abiding in God’s Word; he did God’s will. He practiced spiritual disciplines—like study, prayer, fasting. And understood the actual fast that God desired. Is not this the fast that I choose; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; . . .8
As we abide in God’s Word, we are blessed. Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the LORD.9Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.10
Now, these hidden things have been revealed through Jesus. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, . . . For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”11
Notes:
1. Psalm 4:6
2. 1 Samuel 13:13-14
3. Psalm 3:4
4. Nehemiah 8:10
5. Psalm 16:11
6. Psalm 4:7
7. Psalm 4:8
8. Isaiah 58:6-7
9. Psalm 4:5
10. Jeremiah 33:3
11. Romans 1:16-17
