God, be gracious to us, and bless us.  May he make his face shine toward us. (selah)

Psalm 67:1 (CJB)

This last week has been quite cloudy, reminding me of the predominately cloudy days of my childhood, growing up near the coast of Lake Erie. A place that gets lake effect snow in the winter often gets lake effect clouds throughout the year.

I love the sun and when she hides for too long, I find myself becoming irritable. Finally, after yet another overcast and foggy morning, the clouds began to break up and the sun broke through. My spirits lifted, feeling the warmth of the sun on my face.

Darkness, shadows and sufferings can create clouds in the skies of our hearts and minds. Even busyness and day to day routines can take on the overcast of grey clouds. The Psalmist calls out for the Lord to shine his face toward us, to break through and allow the warmth of his light, life and love to shine over us.

If I had been inside or not paying attention when the skies cleared, I may have missed it. In the same way, if I am not positioning myself or waiting expectantly, I may miss out on the Lord’s face shining toward me.

Each morning, when I rise, along with checking the forecast, I should also be opening up God’s word and allowing it to shine in the dark places of my heart, to bring hope in the suffering and shadows and to fill my daily routines with joy.

Pleasing is the warmth of the sun on my face, more pleasing still is the warmth of the Lord’s smile on me.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for turning your face toward me and shining on me. Give me a  seeking and expectant heart that I may turn my face heavenward toward you. 

Grace and Peace