1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us, Selah
2 that your way may be known on earth,
your saving power among all nations.
3 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you judge the peoples with equity
and guide the nations upon earth. Selah
5 Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you!
6 The earth has yielded its increase;
God, our God, shall bless us.
7 God shall bless us;
let all the ends of the earth fear him!
Comment: The first verse Is a direct calling to the group/congregation where the Psalm is being read or sung to come to God that He will bless and let them see His ‘shining’ face – Not a frown! This is followed by a call on God to have the people (initially Israel was meant) and then all the nations of the world to be glad and sing for joy because of God’s fair judgement and because of God’s provision for their daily needs. David ends with the fear of God, which some see as the ‘knocking knees’ variety, but I’m sure means in the awe-struck, reverential fear of the Great and Holy and Good God!
Prayer: Teach me to live in awe of You, Mighty God.
As I read it! 