There are three hidden WHY's in this chapter that get answered.

1. Vs. 1-2 says, May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us.

WHY? It says,

—- so that others would see the Lord in us and

—- so that God's salvation becomes known to others.

I hope you see what God is saying in these two verses. Often we ask for God to be gracious to US, to shine upon US or bless US, why? Because we want a blessed, happy and carefree life. But it's not about us. If we make our Christian walk all about ourselves, we miss the meaning of the cross.

God's intent is for people to have a relationship with him so we can praise God and exalt God. But because people are walking away from the Lord, now we have a responsibility to reach out to the Lost so they can be United with Christ into a loving and praising relationship. So God, be gracious to me and bless me and let your face shine upon me so that others can see Jesus in Me and so they can hopefully come to the Lord Jesus.

2. This leads into the second WHY. Vs. 3-4 says, May all people praise God and sing for joy. WHY? It says, because God rules with equality. He doesn't look at people and favor one race over another. Or one's financial status over another. Or favor one's social status over another like we may do. God loves us all equally and his judgment is fair for each of us. God looks at the heart of a person and not their wallet or their social status or the color of their skin.

3. Vs, 6-7 says, May God continue to bless us! WHY? So that all people on earth would fear God. It's easy to think life on Earth is all about ourselves. To do what makes us happy or what makes us feel good. It's easy to lose focus of the Lord and to think he doesn't care how we live when in fact he does. We need to have a fear or respect for the Lord that helps keep our focus off of ourselves and onto him. He wants our obedience. He wants us to walk according to his Word versus trying to live our life fulfilling our desires over God's desires.