At the beginning of each month, I start the Psalms afresh and read five a day. If you are wondering what to do with your Bible or how to begin learning from God through the scriptures, the Psalms are a beautiful place to begin! You will finish the book of Psalms in one month if you read in this way.
They never get old. It’s a miracle that I read the same Psalms over and over again, and God never fails to encourage my heart in new ways. Already, I consider how God prospers us (Psalm 1), blesses us as we take refuge in Him (Psalm 2), shields us (Psalm 3), fills our heart with great joy (Psalm 4), and hears us and surrounds us with favor (Psalm 5). What a wonderful way to begin the new day!
I focus on what I find so curious in Psalm 4. David writes in verses 6-7:
Many are asking, “Who can show us any good?” Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wind abound.
I think about writing this sentence to God:
You have filled my heart with greater joy than when _______________.
Then I think about what I believe (or have believed) would provide my heart with the greatest joy possible. And then I realize that God puts greater joy in my heart than even this.
I also think about the question, “Who can show us any good?” Can you imagine being so despondent, depressed, and discouraged that you would ask this? Maybe you feel this way right now. I have felt this way.
The answer comes: In devastation, God can still bring His joy.
Oh, to be set free from longing and fear and jealousy and grabbing for more of this and that experience, person,or object. God is greater joy. When we look around and find no good thing, He is the Good Thing.