by Allan Rockhill

Psalm 80:3,7,19 caught my attention this morning. It talks about God "Causing His face to shine" over Israel. The result in all three verses was restoration and being saved or rescued with some form of help.

It is a good thing to have God's face shining on you! It is far better than the alternative - 'turning His face away from us.'

When God turns His face towards something, He is giving it His attention. He is not leaving it to its own devices. He is bent on restoring, helping, and providing support. This phrase is actually part of the "Blessing" that God instructed His priests to release over Israel regularly.

And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.” ’

 “So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6:22-27).

Could you use the benefit of God's attention today? Is there something that needs restoring or the effect of divine favour?

Let's join our Psalmist today and ask God to lift up His countenance on us - to look with delight at our cry for help - and allow us to feel His face is shining on us.

HE is a great God and full of tender mercies. Reach out to Him today.

Take it further:

• Throughout the Psalms we see real people "pouring out their soul" before the Lord. God is not "turned off" by our humanity, He knows our frame. He knows are struggle. There is an open opportunity before Him to cry out, to process our human experience WITH Him, not apart from Him. Take some time to express your feelings, including struggles, to God today through prayer and/or journaling.

• As you reflect on everything you are feeling, what are you expecting from God in response? Do your expectations align with the true nature, or character of God? Do you anticipate "help" in your hour of need? If not, speak with a trusted spiritual mentor or leader who can help you reframe your expectations around the truth of God's heart for you.

This article is part of our Thoughts to Ponder series