As the rain and snow

“The Moabites, Ammonites, and some of the Meunites came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Men came and told Jehoshaphat, ‘A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea…’ Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.  And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities they came to seek the Lord.

“Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord,.. and said, ‘O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?..  And now behold the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir,.. coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? We are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you…’

“Jahaziel [said], ‘Do not be afraid [or] dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s…  You will not need to fight… Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf… Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.’

“Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah… fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 20:1-7,10-12,15,17-18

Immediately upon learning of the approaching multitudes, King Jehoshaphat turned his face, not toward them, but to seek the Lord. In his fear, he sought heavenly help, and called Judah to do the same. Facing his gathered people, he looked up to God in prayer, asking Him to behold and deal with the enemy. After receiving God’s assurance of victory, he bowed humbly to the ground, worshiping. Setting their hearts on praise, confident in God’s promise, Judah’s army watched God’s conquest of their attackers. (2 Chronicles 20-30)

Setting our face is an act of will. Each determination to look and focus is a choice of not looking on another way or distraction. When opposition approaches, we can look up to the Lord, and back on His prior works. Promises proclaimed and fulfilled fix our sights on victory in Him.

What situations or outcomes do we presently fear? What troubles threaten our stability and peace? Are we setting our face on these circumstances, or on Christ? Are we consumed with what might be, or the enemy’s onslaught to undermine, discourage, and destroy? Do we tense with angst or brood in regret and second-guessing? Or will we turn to look up in prayer, and ahead to face the enemy with confidence and hope?

The God who constantly watches us beckons us watch for Him. Beholding His face ensures us of His victorious, glorious rule. (2 Chronicles 16:9; Hebrews 4:16)

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.” ~Helen Lemmel (1922)

Father, in every threatening fear, may I behold your face, stand firm in Your salvation, and help others look to, trust, and praise You.

“Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you shall go with this people into the land that the Lord has sworn to give them, and you shall put them in possession of it. It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, the days approach when you must die. Call Joshua and present yourselves in the tent of meeting, that I may commission him.’ And Moses and Joshua presented themselves in the tent of meeting. And the Lord appeared in the tent in a pillar of cloud…

“And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Behold, you are about to lie down with your fathers. Then this people will rise and whore after the foreign gods in the land they are entering, and will forsake me and break my covenant… Then my anger will be kindled against them, and I will forsake them and hide my face from them, and they will be devoured. Many evils and troubles will come upon them… And I will surely hide my face in that day because of all the evil they have done, because they have turned to other gods.

“’Now therefore write this song and teach it to the people of Israel… [as] a witness for me… For when I have brought them into the land flowing with milk and honey,.. and they have eaten and are full and grown fat, they will turn to other gods and serve them, and despise me and break my covenant. And when many evils and troubles have come upon them, this song shall confront them as a witness... For I know what they are inclined to do even today, before I have brought them into the land…’ 

“The Lord commissioned Joshua.., ‘Be strong and courageous, for you shall bring the people of Israel into the land that I swore to give them. I will be with you.'” Deuteronomy 31:7-8,14-21,23

What a swing of truths to absorb, and emotions to digest! Joshua first heard the call from Moses: The Lord would lead him to lead Israel into the promised land. Then with his mentor in the tent, he heard from God in the cloud that Moses was about to die, and the people left in his charge would turn from God, who would then hide His face from them and bring great trouble. But God would remain with him, never to forsake him. Through grieving, conquest, and calamity, God’s presence would be constant, His promise would hold, and Joshua was not to fear or be dismayed.

When the Lord commissions His people to specific assignments, it is all about Him. He knows the troubles that lurk, the challenges that await, the way we’ll take, but we’re not to get lost in supposings or caught up in dread or fear. We must remember the Giver of the Word and the promises He will uphold, and stay on mission. Though the way be treacherous, He remains constant.

Where has the Lord commissioned us to serve for His sake? Are we finding His assignments challenging? Do we question His reasons, the obstacles? Do we fret at anticipated opposition, difficulties, or inadequacy, tempted to give up, or keep on in His sufficiency, steady presence, and faithfulness? What promises will we recount and claim today?

Father, make me ready and willing for Your every call, intent on trusting Your promises.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name;
    make known his deeds among the peoples!
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
    tell of all his wondrous works!
Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and his strength;
    seek his presence continually!
Remember the wondrous works that he has done,
    his miracles, and the judgments he uttered…

He brought his people out with joy,
    his chosen ones with singing.
And he gave them the lands of the nations,
    and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil,
that they might keep his statutes
    and observe his laws.
Praise the Lord!” Psalm 105:1-5,43-45

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

“Since then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God… Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:1-3,16

The Lord made man in His image for a special relationship with Himself, fashioning him with unique capabilities to know, fear, love, and obey Him. Once we are saved, His Spirit begins to sanctify, conforming us to His image and preparing us for heaven. The psalmist engages mind and mouth, thought and praise, every faculty, to this end.

Give thanks! Call upon the LORD’s name! Make known His deeds! Sing to Him, sing praises! Tell of all His wonders! Glory in His name! Rejoice in heart! Seek the Lord! Seek His strength and presence! Remember what He has done! To employ ourselves in God’s wonders and praise is to continually renew the mind and fill our souls with joyful, Godward abandon. Meditating on Him and voicing His greatness shapes our mindset and attitude toward all that comes our way.

To live a life hidden in Christ takes willful discipline. We cannot separate Sunday worship from weekday stresses, devotion and prayer from duties and play. When Christ Jesus becomes our all in all, He infiltrates every aspect of thought and effort. We become subject to His character and supremacy in all parts of life. Our exercise of agency is under His rule, our every expression within His freedom. (1 Corinthians 15:28)

What evidence do we display, in speech, discernment, or action, of God’s word dwelling richly in us? How will we renew our minds and actions afresh? What daily practices will we employ to voice praise and think on what is above rather than things of earth? How can we turn ordinary speech to rejoicing, what is banal and routine to vigorous doing of God’s will? Flooding our minds with God’s graces and deeds fills us to overflow in praise.

Lord, I offer to You my mind, mouth, and movement, so in everything, You are the One seen and heard, and glorified.

“You yourselves know how we lived in Egypt and how we passed through the countries on the way here. You saw among them their detestable images and idols of wood and stone, of silver and gold.  Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the Lord our God to go and worship the gods of those nations; make sure there is no root among you that produces such bitter poison.

“When such a person hears the words of this oath and they invoke a blessing on themselves, thinking, ‘I will be safe, even though I persist in going my own way,’ they will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. The Lord will never be willing to forgive them; his wrath and zeal will burn against them. All the curses written in this book will fall on them, and the Lord will blot out their names from under heaven.” Deuteronomy 29:16-20

“Catch for us the foxes,
    the little foxes
that ruin the vineyards,
    our vineyards that are in bloom.” Song of Solomon 2:15

Moses warns Israel of the inclinations of their wayward hearts. He recalls the years of slavery and wandering through the desert that exposed them to detestable things, and reminds them that the Lord had delivered them from all Egypt represented. They needed to be vigilant, aware of wily foxes that tempted them to harden their hearts, to turn affection away from the Lord to serve strange gods. He denounced the bitter root that can invade a mind and will to bear poisonous fruit, the arrogance of thinking they would not get caught in stubbornness or selfishness. The Lord was jealous and just, He loved his own, and He would exercise righteous anger against blatant rebellion. (Deuteronomy 29:22-29)

Just as the Israelites’ days of wandering offered an array of temptations, so do ours. Every path of industry, every dip of the toe in the world, every instigation or charged passion can jerk and sway our devotion to God. The turning of the eyes to despicable entertainment, the heart to greed, or the mind to stew on irritations or past wrongs or difficulties- all are the plot of the little foxes that would ruin our fruitfulness.

Where are we toying with the things of this world? How easily do we compare ourselves with others and deem our idolatry not as bad as theirs? How haughty we are to think the Lord will overlook our indulgences and wink an eye at strange affections! In what areas of daily life are we prone to coddling comfort and giving in to self-pleasure while ignoring the majesty and holiness of God?

What can we do to maintain pure devotion to God? To serve Him and not ourselves, His honor instead of our whims and emotions? Are we in His word enough to see and be humbled by its inerrancy, to revere its Author, to recognize our rebellion and errors? We know the sly devil incessantly pursues our deception and ruin, so how will we guard our ways?

“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here’s my heart; O take and seal it;
seal it for thy courts above.” ~ Robert Robinson (1758)

Lord, keep me ever vigilant, honoring and obeying You to the utmost.

“If you see your fellow Israelite’s ox or sheep straying, do not ignore it but be sure to take it back to its owner. If they do not live near you or if you do not know who owns it, take it home with you and keep it until they come looking for it. Then give it back. Do the same if you find their donkey or cloak or anything else they have lost. Do not ignore it.

“If you see your fellow Israelite’s donkey or ox fallen on the road, do not ignore it. Help the owner get it to its feet.” Deuteronomy 22:1-4

“Let love be genuine... Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor…

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly… Give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:9-10,15-18

“In humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians 2:3-4

“Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” Colossians 3:12

God’s law given to Moses covered many particular areas of life, and revealed His heart for man’s heart. While commands were to be followed, the motive and end mattered most. The Lord desired a people who deeply cared about His honor and each other as fellow image-bearers, so they would reflect His character as they carried His word to the world.

The command to care about and for a brother is clear. The God of small things takes notice of and is concerned for the intricacies of His children’s lives, and demands we own that same compassion and purity through and through. He gave the law as a framework for our living in relationships with others, to give structure, discipline, and guidance. His commands also serve to show us how we fall short and are in desperate need of Him in order to be Christ-like in our dealings with one another.

Do I really care about other people? Do I pick and choose those easiest to love, and only there invest my heart? Do I assume the worst and judge brusqueness or unwelcome as a character flaw, or do I make an effort to explore what is going on in the lives of those more difficult to love?

How deliberately do I spend time and attention to observe, get to know, and anticipate sorrows, burdens, or needs? How willing and interested am I to listen to their stories? When I notice or am made aware of specific needs, what do I do about it? What effort do I put into restoring another person, or lifting them up through encouragement, help, and friendship? Are my relationships about me, or about them? (Isaiah 50:4)

Acknowledging daily that I’m God’s child, chosen to serve for His glory, refreshes my impetus to care. Will I ask for His eyes and heart today? His Spirit directs motivation and fuels effort expended for others’ sake. (Isaiah 49:3)

Father, help me care about and love others the way You do me, so they are built up and You are glorified.

“O God, you have rejected us, broken our defenses;
    you have been angry; oh, restore us.
You have made the land to quake; you have torn it open;
    repair its breaches, for it totters.
You have made your people see hard things…

You have set up a banner for those who fear you,
    that they may flee to it from the bow.
That your beloved ones may be delivered,
    give salvation by your right hand and answer us!..
Oh, grant us help against the foe,
    for vain is the salvation of man!
With God we shall do valiantly;
    it is he who will tread down our foes.”

“Hear my cry, O God,
    listen to my prayer;
from the end of the earth I call to you
    when my heart is faint.
Lead me to the rock
    that is higher than I,
for you have been my refuge,
    a strong tower against the enemy.

Let me dwell in your tent forever!
    Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings!”

“For God alone my soul waits in silence;
    from him comes my salvation.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken…

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,
    for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
    my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
    my mighty rock, my refuge is God.

Trust in him at all times, O people;
    pour out your heart before him;
    God is a refuge for us…

Power belongs to God,
   and to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love”

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;
    my soul thirsts for you;
my flesh faints for you,
    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water…
I will bless you as long as I live…

You have been my help,
    and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.
My soul clings to you;
    your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 60:1-5,11-12; 61:1-4; 62:1-2,5-8,10-12; 63:1,4,7-8

David the psalmist knew many a hard thing in his difficult but illustrious life. He records often and honestly his struggles against the backdrop of the Lord’s unfailing kindness. Both hurts and Help harmonize in rhythmic song.

War-torn countries, broken cities, violence, tenuous employment, stressful relationships, sleepless nights. In a broken world, God’s people see hard things, without which we fail to seek, see, and shelter under our Rock and Deliverer. God’s grace and glory against darkness shine, His banner of refuge, protection, salvation, and help is our strong hope in every obstacle and heartache.

Whatever hard things make our practical or emotional stability precarious, God’s rock is higher, immovable, and safe. Have we fallen in sin or sorrow? His arms are able to lift and save. Are we riddled with fear, angst, or shame? He is our peace. Do we face a vitriolic, cruel enemy? The Lord is Refuge and Victor. Encountering unrest, cruelty, or threatened destruction, we can valiantly trust His shield and wings about us. (Numbers 11:23; Psalm 3:3; Isaiah 59:1)

Distinguishing between the natural declination of man and the sovereignty and absolute perfection of God adjusts our attitude to hard things. Where are we barraged or burdened? What new glimpses of God’s good things are being revealed through those very trials?

Good Father, help me see in hard things Your goodness and love, and praise You.

“Hear my prayer, O Lord;
let my cry come to you!
Do not hide your face from me
    in the day of my distress!
Incline your ear to me;
    answer me speedily in the day when I call!

For my days pass away like smoke,
    and my bones burn like a furnace.
My heart is struck down like grass and has withered;
    I forget to eat my bread.
Because of my loud groaning
    my bones cling to my flesh.
I am like a desert owl of the wilderness,
    like an owl of the waste places;
I lie awake;
    I am like a lonely sparrow on the housetop.
All the day my enemies taunt me;
    those who deride me use my name for a curse.
For I eat ashes like bread
    and mingle tears with my drink,
because of your indignation and anger;
    for you have taken me up and thrown me down.
My days are like an evening shadow;
    I wither away like grass.

But you, O Lord, are enthroned forever;
    you are remembered throughout all generations.
You will arise and have pity…
For the Lord… appears in his glory;
he regards the prayer of the destitute
    and does not despise their prayer.

Let this be recorded for a generation to come,
    so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord:
that he looked down from his holy height;
    from heaven the Lord looked at the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners,
    to set free those doomed to die,
that they may declare the name of the Lord,
    and in Jerusalem his praise…

He has broken my strength in midcourse;
    he has shortened my days.
‘O my God,’ I say, ‘take me not away
    in the midst of my days—
you whose years endure
    throughout all generations!’

Of old you laid the foundation of the earth,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands.
They will perish, but you will remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment.
You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away,
    but you are the same, and your years have no end.
The children of your servants shall dwell secure;
    their offspring shall be established before you.” Psalm 102:1-13a,16-21,24-28

The psalmist is divinely described as “one afflicted when he is faint and pours out his complaint before the Lord.” Indeed, he is every man, confronted by the distresses of daily life, communicating with his very near and present Lord. He cries out complaint, he rues, and when he is emptied and weary of groaning, he recalls the majesty and supremacy of the Lord. He knows He hears and does not despise his honesty. He knows He meets with mercy and relief. And so He records a confident ‘but God’ for generations to hold and apply.

When God’s people are in the habit of communing with Him, our lives are rich with give-and-take reminders of Who He is and what He does for His children. We speak, He hears. We lament, He comforts. We are downcast and defeated, He lifts up and gives hope of salvation. Our emotions and circumstances twist and change, He remains the same forever.

What cry do we have for the Lord at present? He hears! What despair, loneliness, hunger, or tears will we pour out and leave with Him? Where we feel broken, He endures in grace and redeeming love. What confidence and praise will we express today to make His glories known?

Lord, fix my perspective to trust and rejoice in You.

“No longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds.  They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart.  They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity… Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds,  and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:17-19,22-24

“Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light… Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:1-2,8,15-18

The Lord is concerned with how and where His people walk. Life is a journey intended to be strode with Him, so the path, pace, and tenor should reflect His temperament, gait, and destination. Before Christ, man wandered in foolishness and sin, bound for wrath, but in Christ, the new self, with renewed Spirit, walks in love and holy purpose.

Futile walking is without direction or sense. It sets out spiritually dead, blind to foolish ways, insensitive to sin, ignorant of final destination. Calloused hearts make for hardened feet that do not seek out God’s good paths.

When the Lord saves us, He gives a whole new mindset and purpose. As we gradually, through obedience and sanctification, learn His new ways, we find the path before us bright and clear. He shapes our character with new unselfish and Christ-like temperament, desire, and manner. His word makes sense of decisions, and directs our choices and paths. His Spirit provides divine energy and zeal. He leads us in love to companions to walk alongside for refinement and encouragement. (Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:1-5; Romans 12:1-2)

What characterizes our walk with Christ? Is our gait in rhythm with love, mercy, and concern for others? Do we hurry ahead of His timing, or wait patiently to learn by matching our steps with His stride? What tendencies of self-absorption, greed, stubbornness, or pride do we need to confess and put off in order to be unhindered? How will we dedicate ourselves to His word and dependent prayer to better align our pace and destination with the Lord’s? (Hebrews 12:1-3)

“When we walk with the Lord 
in the light of his word, 
what a glory he sheds on our way! 
While we do his good will, 
he abides with us still, 
and with all who will trust and obey. 

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way 
to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey. ” ~ John Sammis (1887)

Lord, keep me in step with You, to Your ends and honor.

“But now hear, O Jacob my servant,
    Israel whom I have chosen!
Thus says the Lord who made you,
    who formed you from the womb and will help you:
Fear not, O Jacob my servant,
    Jeshurun whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
    and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring,
    and my blessing on your descendants.
They shall spring up among the grass
    like willows by flowing streams.
This one will say, ‘I am the Lord’s,’
    another will call on the name of Jacob,
and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
    and name himself by the name of Israel.” Isaiah 44:1-5

“There is none like God, O Jeshurun,
    who rides through the heavens to your help,
    through the skies in his majesty.
The eternal God is your dwelling place,
    and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:26-27

“Who rises up for me against the wicked?
    Who stands up for me against evildoers?
If the Lord had not been my help,
    my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.
When I thought, ‘My foot slips,’
    your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up.
When the cares of my heart are many,
    your consolations cheer my soul…
The Lord has become my stronghold,
    and my God the rock of my refuge.” Psalm 94:16-19,22

In order to help, the Helper bears certain qualities, and the Scriptures make those clear. Psalmist and prophet agree, He reigns on high, He is mighty, and He is personally involved with His people. A merciful God who loves and cares, a Savior who took on flesh to redeem us, is a God who helps in every need. (1 Peter 5:7)

Many cares of this world uncover our need for the Lord’s help. Relational challenges and stress at work, societal unrest and pressing threats of persecution or violence, health and financial concerns that weigh heavy with doom and discouragement, uncertain times and direction- all reveal our weaknesses and lack. Often, though, we try to remedy situations ourselves, trusting our own understanding or resources. For reasons intentional and subconscious, we fail to turn to the One who understands and supplies exactly what we need.

The Lord uses cares and quandaries to expose our needs, turn us to Himself, and train us to rely on His help. He answers when we call, providing security and aid. He advocates for us before the enemy, our sure defense, stronghold, and intercessor. He is our strength when we’re weak, wisdom in confusion, courage in temptation, and guide in the way we should go. (Psalm 32:8; 121; Proverbs 3:5-6; John 6:68; Romans 8:28-34; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Hebrews 4:15-16)

How has the Lord showed up in the past to alleviate fears, answer doubts, and meet particular needs? When were we aware of His hearing and answering our cries? How will we apply past answers, rescues, enlightenment, inspiration, and gained faith and confidence to present circumstances?

Where and how do we need the Lord’s help today? Have we been relying on our own drive and power, or the world’s methods for improvement and self-help? What specific cares can we bring to and leave with Him, and trust His intervention and very real, present, and tangible assistance? (Psalm 46:1-2)

Lord, teach me to look to You for help in all things, so You are exalted.

“The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
The north and the south, you have created them…
You have a mighty arm;
    strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O Lord, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
    and in your righteousness are exalted.
For you are the glory of their strength;
    by your favor our horn is exalted.
For our shield belongs to the Lord,
    our king to the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 89:11-18

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Blessed and favored are those who walk in the light of the perfect Father’s face! He looks on His people with infinite love, commitment to their holy best, and benevolent longing for intimate communion. His smile blesses with grace, tender affection, and glory. His is a face whose eyes draw others’ up to gaze deeply into His to see His knowing and mercy, to watch His mouth speaking love over His own, and singing. (Psalm 3:3; Zephaniah 3:17)

Our culture offers a wide variety of distractions and fodder for the eyes. We tend to look anywhere but to the Lord for entertainment, meaning, and satisfaction. We look askance to compare ourselves with others, and downcast when we do not measure up. We fixate on screens and mirrors, see darkly under the world’s weight, and avoid the touch of Jesus to tilt our chins upward.

Do any of these activities and habits soothe the mind or fulfill the soul? Do constant movement and fluctuating emotions give rest or nourishment? Is there anything we gaze on that develops our faith or expands our understanding and love for God? To seek His face draws all senses and desires to find what is truly life. (Psalm 27:8; Isaiah 45:22)

Are we in need of strength, help, light? From what preoccupations or disarray need we turn to look on God’s face? What excuses will we set aside to behold Him?

“May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
by His love and pow’r controlling
all I do and say.

May the word of God dwell richly
in my heart from hour to hour,
so that all may see I triumph
only through His pow’r.

May the peace of God my Father
rule my life in everything,
that I may be calm to comfort
sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
as the waters fill the sea;
Him exalting, self abasing:
this is victory.

May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus
as I onward go. 

May His beauty rest upon me
as I seek the lost to win,
and may they forget the channel,
seeing only Him.” ~Kate Barclay Wilkinson (1925)

Lord, help me live in and reflect the light of Your face, to your glory.