Friday, May 14

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us.
—Psalm 67:1

Sometimes it is a surprise. Sometimes we wait in anticipation for it. Sometimes we make sure we have an east- or south-facing window, so we’re sure to be the recipients of that wonderful shaft of light that emanates from the sun in early morning. 

It filters through the atmosphere and bursts through the window in rays so wondrous we catch our breath. While the rest of the room is bathed in dusky tones, the sun’s rays break in and spread out in our midst, and we stop in awe.

If the light from the sun can stop our breath, surely the light from the face of the Holy One has the potential of completely altering our soul. We would never think to doubt that the sun will put forth her beams day after day. Yet we may doubt that the brightness of God's face will shine on us when we sit in expectation of it.

But what if we stood in prayer and waited for the brightness of God’s face? What if we were so convinced of God’s mercy and blessing, that each day we closed our eyes, and faithfully anticipated that glorious light to descend upon us? Why not try it?

Sit for five minutes each morning for the next week, and in your heart pray for the mercy and blessing of God. There in the stillness, with your eyes closed to the distractions of the room, just see if you don’t recognize the glorious light of heaven breaking through the dusty, dusky tones of your soul and filling you with the treasure of heaven.

O God, let me trust in your light as much as I trust in the light of the sun.

These Signposts originally appeared on explorefaith in 2004.