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: In some ways this Psalm is as simple as you find in the Psalms. But in another sense it contains the core of what keeps a person, a family. a community and a nation balanced and on the right track! i) Initially the Psalm turns to God in dependence. A dependence which recognises God’s right to control the the whole world. ii) It is not mentioned, but often nations are very troubled, nevertheless God is just, He rules with ‘equity’. When He judges we need to listen to Him and repent. His judgements are just! iii) The faithfulness of God supplies all our needs, so let us be thankful but with that healthy awesome reverential humility with which we always need to approach God. The word God is here emphasizing His Judgement and His Provision!
Prayer: Teach me to be grateful and thankful.
As I read it! 