There Is Still Light Within

Psalm 72:1-7

A psalm of Solomon.

1Give justice to the king, O God,

and righteousness to the king’s son.

2Help him judge your people in the right way;

let the poor always be treated fairly.

3May the mountains yield prosperity for all,

and may the hills be fruitful,

because the king does what is right.

4Help him to defend the poor,

to rescue the children of the needy,

and to crush their oppressors.

5May he live as long as the sun shines,

as long as the moon continues in the skies.

Yes, forever!

6May his reign be as refreshing as the springtime rains—

like the showers that water the earth.

7May all the godly flourish during his reign.

May there be abundant prosperity until the end of time.

In April 1822 James Montgomery was speaking at a Methodist missionary conference, and he was planning to close with a hymn he had just written, based on Psalm 72. But in the middle of his remarks the lights went out. People panicked. Then the chairman of the meeting called out, “There is still light within!” The hubbub ceased, and Montgomery resumed speaking.

The incident serves as a parable for our times. Do you feel somewhat panicked by the “darkness” of our culture? Nowadays Christians seem more fearful than faithful. Calm down! There is still light within. God still lives within our heart, and his light shines outward to a world of people groping in the dark. God is still in control.

Montgomery did recite his hymn (shown below) at that missionary meeting. While Psalm 72 was originally an ode to Israel’s king, Montgomery drew on its messianic prophecies. This message of hope and triumph needs to be heard today.

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed,

Great David’s greater Son!

Hail in the time appointed,

His reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,

To set the captive free;

To take away transgression,

And rule in equity.

He comes with succor speedy

To those who suffer wrong;

To help the poor and needy

And bid the weak be strong;

To give them songs for sighing,

Their darkness turns to light,

Whose souls, condemned and dying,

Are precious in his sight.

Bible Networking

The beautiful rainfall simile in verses 6-7 may have been prompted by the last words of David (2 Samuel 23:2-4), where the just king is like sun and rain to his subjects. Also, this picture of the king and his realm is very close to the messianic prophecies of Isaiah. (See Isaiah 11:1-5; 60:1–62:12.)