A TWOFOLD DESIRE

Psalm 3 and 4 belong together, being written when David was in the circumstances—fleeing from his son Absolom. It was certainly a difficult time for this servant of the Lord. These troublesome times came upon him because of his sin.

David probably crossed the river Jordan early in the morning with his small army of men, only to be followed later in the day by Absolom and his men. Beyond a doubt, the battle will begin the following day. David’s officers and men are depressed when they look at the circumstances. Their hearts are filled with doubt. This we find in our text: There be many that say, who will show us any good? MANY is in God’s Word an indication of the unconverted. God’s children are called a small number, a flock, a few, in comparison to the many servants of the world and satan. For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and MANY there be which go in thereat. MANY SAY (not with their mouths, but in their heart and by their deeds) what David’s soldiers said: who will shew us any good? ANY GOOD is what the heart longs for. The object differs for each individual. For these soldiers, it was deliverance out of the hands of Absolom. For us it is by nature, the things of this world. For the drunkard it is his drink; for the miser his money; for the proud it is his honor and fame; for the educated man the sciences; for the Pharisee the external religion with his lip-service. It is very well possible your name has not been mentioned, but rest assured, every man living without the Lord, seeks the good in this world.

Reader I know the world allures from all sides, but it rushes to an end, and we then are the poorest on earth with all our material wealth. When these men say WHO, they are thinking of human help, not withstanding the Lord’s command that we should not put our trust in princes. Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help. Who will SHOW; they want to see it instead of living by faith. They do not trust in the Lord, who only can help. They lament, but not because of their sins; they lament, but not because of the lost fellowship of the Lord. Oh that our most important thing in life may not be how we shall live, but rather how we shall die! David hears the scornful words, but knows the Lord can help. Now he may lose all that is of himself—of the creature—and look upon the Lord who in sovereign grace has mercy on the needy. David needs the help of the Lord who previously had shewn him His favour, but who now hides His Countenance from him. How is it possible for the Lord to hear him? Only in Christ can God hear a sinner. David prays: Lord lift Thou up the light of Thy countenance upon us.

Light is a symbol of knowledge and gladness. Christ is the Sun of Righteousness, the Morning Star. In nature, the sun is the fountain of light; in spiritual life it is Christ. Without Him it is dark; hence the necessity of discovering light. We then see the virtue of God as well as our mischief—that we are unworthy of His blessings. The labor of the Spirit is indispensable for us to see our darkness. Then the cry is also born for light, that is knowledge and gladness. The Lord taught that there is forgiveness for sinners. In Jesus Christ, the Lord lifted up the light of His countenance upon David and his men. David’s faith was not put to shame. His officers were awake all night, but David. . .? I lay me down in peace. Absolom died, and his army was destroyed by the Lord, Who gave the victory.

The light of God’s countenance is what we also need. Then He will take care of us for time and eternity. The world changes, but not the Lord. That we may seek Him, while it is yet the time of grace. The world seeks pleasure, but it is not durable. When we have the light of the Lord’s countenance, then we have everything. The Lord Jehovah, the God of the Covenant, will fulfill His work. May we learn to look unto Him alone. Then we will be safe. Then we shall live according to the commandments of the Word of God, and to the honor of His name.

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