God . . . [gave] us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
The first four verses of Psalm 36 describe a person with a hard heart, with no affection for the Lord. "A hard heart implies an unaffected heart," writes Jonathan Edwards, "a heart that is not readily moved with virtuous affections. Like a stone, it is insensible, unmoved, and hard to impress. Those without any religious affection are in a state of spiritual death. The reason [people] are not affected by such infinitely great, important and glorious things such as they [may] read in the Word of God is undoubtedly that they are blind."
The next part of Psalm 36 describes a completely different kind of person (vv. 5-9). What a difference! What accounts for the difference? Faith! Conversion!
The result of conversion, says Edwards, "is a new kind of inward perception which sanctifies the mind. It is a new way of perceiving, of thinking. It is operated by grace as an entirely new kind of principle. The work of the Spirit of God in regeneration is often compared in Scripture to giving a new sense: giving eyes to see, ears to hear, and turning darkness into light. It is compared to being raised from the dead to a new creation. All truly gracious affections only arise from the special and peculiar influences of the Holy Spirit." If God has given you his light, "give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever" (Psalm 136:1).
Lord, "with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart." Amen.
See God's love, power, presence, and purpose in your life every day!