Think for a moment of someone you love very much and what it means when you see them and a smile breaks out on their face, their eyes sparkle and you know that you are in the presence of someone who loves you deeply. It is something we cherish because all of us want to be known, to be loved and to have those who care about us.

Even better, what if the Father of the Universe, Abba, the creator and sustainer turned His face toward us? How would it change our day? In Psalm 4:6, David says, “Many are asking, ‘Who can show us any good?’” Then, like now, good was in short supply. The news was mostly bad and people were discouraged. But in answer to that question, David says this: “Let the light of your face shine upon us, O Lord.” 

In the Old Testament there are several passages that speak of the Lord’s face shining on us. For instance, in the great blessing that the Levites were to speak over the people, it says “The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 7:25-26. Whenever God’s face turns toward us and whenever his face shines upon us good things result. His smile on our lives is the best gift we could ever receive and the thing is that we are told that as His children, his face is always turned toward us. His face is always shining on us. We may not know it, but it is. It is a measure of His love, His regard and His great concern for us. In fact, right now, His face is turned toward you and shining on you.

As David considers this fact, he says “You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” It fascinates me that there is a correlation between God’s face looking toward us, shining on us and peace in our lives. We long for peace in a world filled with threats, frustrations and issues we cannot control. When we realize that God’s face is shining on us, says David, we can have peace. After all, what is there to worry about if the God of the universe is looking our way? More than that, if His face is shining on us with love and concern.

Today, remember this. God is watching you. God is watching over you. God’s face is shining on you with love. That ought to fill us with joy and give us a profound peace regardless of the circumstances we face. And His desire is that we live in joy and peace, knowing that He has our lives, our situations and our worries in His gaze. 

Think of those things that cause you a lack of peace right now. And then remind yourself that your Heavenly Father has his face turned toward you and although you cannot physically see it, His face is shining upon you. And then relax, knowing that whatever issue you have, He sees it and He is blessing you with His divine smile. And His smile on your life is the most important smile we will ever have.

Father. I am always amazed that you would pay attention to me. That you would be watching me in love and concern and that I can rest in the peace of your presence. Give me that peace today and remind me that your face is always shining on me. Amen.