Walking in the Light of God's Countenance

Sometimes, life can seem bleak. We can become so consumed by the ordinariness of everyday duties and routines that it seems as if nothing else exists. Particularly now, during this period where life has slowed to a crawl across the nation and even across the world, it can seem that there is nothing to be anticipated but tedium, trouble, and worry.

I have been thinking a lot lately about how much loveliness God has allowed in my everyday life, even during this time of difficulty. There are leaves and flowers beginning to burst from their buds, a flurry of birds has suddenly appeared, cheerfully singing as they dart from branch to branch, and even when I am stuck inside, there is the loveliness of having time to take a few extra minutes to read and enjoy a cup of tea.

Even though it may seem that our days are being wasted while we are stuck at home, the reality is that every day has both purpose and beauty, because each day is the day that God has planned specifically for you to live. As the Psalmist says, "This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24)

For the Christian, there is always a reason to rejoice, because God is always present and at work in our lives. At the very least, we can rejoice that God's mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Consider Psalm 89: 13-18

"Thou hast a mighty arm: strong is Thy hand, and high is Thy right hand.

Justice and judgement are the habitation of Thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before Thy face. 

Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance. 

In Thy name shall they rejoice all the day: and in Thy righteousness shall they be exalted.

For Thou art the glory of their strength: and in Thy favour our horn shall be exalted.

For the Lord is our defence; and the Holy One of Israel is our king."

What did it say about those who knew "the joyful sound" of the mercy and truth which accompany God's presence? It says that "they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Thy countenance."

So how do we walk in the light of God's countenance?

To walk in the light of God's countenance is to see all the world around us in the same light as God sees it. For example, if God intends your life and mine to be lived for His glory, do you think He will put us on a path that wanders aimlessly or without purpose? Throughout the Bible, we can see glimpses of what God is like, and at every turn of the page we see Him. Down through the ages, at every point in history, through every blessing, every calamity, God is there, working out a distinct purpose.

If I believe that God is good, loving, powerful, and at work in my life, how can I complain that life is purposeless or bleak? There is something to be learned, done, or said each day that brings glory to God. To view my life in the light of God's countenance will necessarily mean viewing it as having purpose and meaning.

This one truth holds a powerful application: it means that each new day is like a gift to be unwrapped. God already knows what it will hold, for He has planned it out for our good (Romans 8:28). It only remains for us to open it and choose to see the gift through the eyes of the Giver.

I say this a lot, but it bears repeating because it is true. What we need when we feel that life is dull, boring, or tedious is simply to renew our focus on the Lord. After all, it is in God's name that the people in Psalm 89 will rejoice. He is the One that brings favor, strength, protection, and leadership. He is the source of all things for the Christian, and it is to Him we must look to be satisfied.

When we are focused on God and His plan for each day, we can live in joyful and constant anticipation of what He will do. Even when we are by ourselves, God can work. He is not limited in His ability to be glorified simply because we are limited in our ability to interact with others.

So look to tomorrow with joy and hope, and let us all choose to walk in the light of God's countenance.