PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Psalm 80
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” (Psalm 80:19)
This verse is a quote from the priestly blessing:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:25-26)
A shining face is a beaming, smiling face, when you delight in someone.
Recall when your parents disciplined you and you felt their displeasure.
Or when you sensed their pleasure, and saw (felt) the glow of their smile?
There are times when we sense God’s sadness or displeasure (rightly so).
I’ve had times when I felt God’s sadness, and I prayed words like these.
God’s smile reached my heart, and I sensed forgiveness, love and blessing.
As a parent I know this love that glows even when sad or disappointed.
Right now you may be in a place where you don’t sense God’s loving smile.
Try going somewhere alone outdoors, and be still with God for a bit.
Look up and slowly breathe this prayer for God’s smile to warm your heart.
“Make your face shine on me, that I may be saved.”
PRAYER
Lord, your smile is what we long for and were made for. Help us to see that you always love us even when it doesn’t feel like it.
“Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself.” The people were looking for someone to come and save them – and God sent many rescuers – but finally the ultimate rescuer came, Jesus – who is the son of man that God has raised up. Things looked very bleak because of sin – it is bleak – also for me. Jesus has rescued me – Lord help me to live a rescued life so that I may serve you well – smile on me I pray!