Psalm 112:4

 

Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
    he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.

Psalm 111 and 112 are very similar; they are the exact same length, they are both acrostics with each line starting with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and they both start with "Hallelujah!", a call to worship.  Psalm 111 illustrates how great are the LORD's works, and Psalm 112 explains how a righteous man who fears the LORD should live.  There will be happiness, an ease at home with family, that comes from enduring, perpetual devotion to the commands of God. The righteous will be known in the community for  generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand; but no one will walk all over them, because they temper their generosity with justice.  Their stability will stand out to and be remembered by others. The righteous heart doesn't even skip a beat in fear, because it is firmly trusting in God.  Of course, this will bring out the ugly in the wicked--jealousy, bitterness, and envy.  While these reactions are painful to endure, they have an expiration date; righteous living endures forever. 

You can't have a Psalm 112 without a Psalm 111.  (Thank you, Captain Obvious!) Psalm 111 sings of God's great works--splendor, majesty, eternal righteousness, grace, mercy, power.  He is provider, promise keeper, benefactor, faithful, and just.  He is our redeemer, the author and finisher of our faith.  Fearing Him is where we start on the path to wisdom.  Psalm 112 describes the one walking the path of wisdom.  So what's the connection?  How does Psalm 112 hinge on Psalm 111? We find it right in our key verse.  "Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious, merciful, and righteous."  Psalm 111 defines the Light; Psalm 112 defines the reflection.  According to science, you cannot have a reflection without light.  The moon would be dark and useless without the sun, just as we would be dark and useless without the Light of God.  We know how to live because God Himself shone His light into our dark hearts. He wants us to live well.  Why would He do such a kindness for us? Not for our fame; not for our wealth; not for accolades from family and friends.  But because He is gracious, merciful, and righteous.  He is steadfast.  Stubborn. Unwavering.  Single-minded.  He wants others to know Him.  So He shines His light into our lives and actions, and calls us to reflect Him.  May He find us all willing.