“The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Num. 6:25–26)
Expanded Passage: Numbers 6:24-26
I begin each morning by walking the dog around our neighborhood. In the winter when the sun doesn’t rise until later, we walk in the cold and dark, rushing to get back to the warmth of a heated home. But in the summer, when the sun rises as we walk, there’s no rushing. I turn my face up toward the sky, breathe in the crisp morning air, and let the sun shine down on my face. The sunshine feels like a kiss from God, and the walks turn easily into times of prayer.
Do you wonder if Moses knew from experience that when the Lord turned his face toward him, he could expect peace? In Exodus 33:11 we are told that Moses spoke with God “face to face, as one speaks to a friend.” When he came back from being with God, Moses’ face shone. Did God encourage Moses during those talks? Did they discuss the hardship of leading God’s people? Did God fill Moses with peace to continue doing the job required? I believe God did and that Moses wanted God’s presence and peace for the Israelites.
God will do that for us too. He will shine his face on us and give us peace. How encouraging to know that he is always with us, waiting for us to acknowledge his presence. What a good, good God!
Spend time with God today so that others will see his radiance.
Beth Gormong is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University (IN) and serves at Wesleyan Publishing House. She spends her free time at the library reading and writing.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
