God’s shining face

‘Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.’ Psalm 80.7

This request for the Lord to make his face shine upon us is fascinating.  Since God is constantly with us, he is not being asked to come or suddenly appear, but it’s more a request that our awareness of him might increase.  It’s OK to ask for more of an awareness of him than we currently have!

The simple truth that God is with us is enough to change our perception of his presence – he is already here, regardless of whether we can sense him.  It’s knowing this that can make all the difference.  We don’t have to struggle with our uncertain feelings but can ask God to shine his face upon us.  This isn’t just about us experiencing him but is also about the effect of his presence upon us.  It is his face and his presence, shining on our lives and our circumstances, that bring change.

“Lord God Almighty, make your face shine upon me,” is a beautiful prayer that you might like to use at any time.  You can even pray it over particular situations: “Make your face shine upon this situation.”  Alternatively it can be a prayer to gently lead you into a deeper sense of God’s presence; as you breathe in use the words, “Lord God Almighty”, and as you breathe out, “make your face shine upon me”.  What are you going to ask him right now?

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