February 21, 2018: Light and Truth

Today’s Bible Reading: Leviticus 16-17, Psalm 43, Matthew 19:16-30, Acts 26:19-32 Psalm 43: Psalm 43 and Psalm 42 belong together. Psalm 43 ends with the same refrain that was repeated in Psalm 42:

“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him My salvation and my God” (verse 5; see Psalm 42:5, 11)

But while Psalm 43 has a similar theme to Psalm 42, it picks up a different thread. The psalmist wants God to “vindicate” him (43:1). He wants God to “defend” him. In particular, he wants God to “send out his light and truth; let them lead me.” Perhaps you are in a situation where you are not only wondering “why” but also needing divine intervention. You sense that you need “vindication.” You need God’s “defense.” The psalmist is saying that the core of this intervention that he is seeking is that God would “send out his light and truth.” In other words, the psalmist wants God’s revelation, his light, to show the truth about that matter with which he is wrestling. Perhaps that could be your prayer this morning. Rather than looking to insight only from a friend or human counselor or another book—good as these things can be—to search God’s Word and ask him to give you light and truth on the matter at hand. Make that your prayer this morning: “Send me your light and your truth.” And with that prayer delve into the Bible.]]>