the light of His countenance

psalm 4- an evening prayer of trust in God
for the choir director; on stringed instruments. a psalm of david
answer me when i call, o God of my righteousness! you have relieved me in my distress; be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
o sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? how long will you love delusions and aim at deception? selah
but know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; the LORD hears when I call to Him.
tremble, and do not sin; meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. selah
offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and trust in the LORD.
many are saying, “who will show us any good?” lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD!
You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.
in peace i will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

"david has a habit of pleading past mercies as a basis for present favor... even the regenerate groan at times for (material) prosperity. and when delusions fail, we despair and declare there's no good in heaven or on earth. but, the light of God's countenance is enough- this is the believer's riches, honor, health, ambition and ease... He will never stop helping until we cease to need."
-charles spurgeon, treasury of the psalms

'worth' revisited

i consider my life worth nothing to me, if only i may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace -acts 20:24

the apostles left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name -acts 5:41

and they sang in a mighty chorus: "worthy is the Lamb who was slain- to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing"
-revelation 5:12

how God would be well-known

He spreads His fame, in part, through mothers. through their influence on potential co-laborers in His work!

"mother... you may think long and earnestly of your high calling. ponder the undreamed honour of the thing; learn how God, through you, would plan to be well known to every man. and through your arms would gather fast the whole world to his heart at last." -fay inchfawn

may Your deeds be shown to your servants,
Your splendor to their children.
may the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;
establish the work of our hands for us—
yes, establish the work of our hands