Tuesday, June 8

When he sees you he will be glad in his heart…
—Exodus 4:14

Some people have the ability, just by their presence, to bring joy and delight to our heart. We're often most aware of this when we haven't seen them for some time; then, at the moment of re-union, our soul feels like it's been re-inflated. 

All  anxiety seems to disappear. We become fully present to what's going on around us and dismiss our worry about what we should say or how we should act. In fact, there's no need for concern at all. We need only enjoy the happiness of the moment.

We are skeptical of ever experiencing those same emotions when we encounter God. We feel unfamiliar with the on-going nature of God's presence in our lives. Moreover,we have been so programmed to be afraid of God, that sometimes even the thought of meeting God strikes fear in us.

Yet, imagine the feeling of Mary when she saw her son Jesus again at the resurrection, after having helplessly stood by as he died. It must have been an unbelievable re-union. She must have felt a joyful jump in her heart. Meeting God is like coming home to a warm, safe and extravagantly joyous place. 

Don't be afraid; be on the lookout instead.

O God, when I see you let my heart be glad.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2003.