#Retrospective — This post originally published August 28, 2018.
I was reading Psalm 67 and verses 1-2 convicted me: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine on us — so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations (NIV).” Too often I desire God’s grace, his blessing, for myself. I seek to have his face shine on me so that I can feel his presence surround me and strengthen me. Yet in this Psalm, verse two tells us the purpose is so that God’s ways can be known on earth, that salvation would be “among all nations.”
I am reminded of Moses in Exodus 34:29-30. After he came down from Mount Sinai with the “covenant law” his face was “radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.” This caused Aaron and the Israelites to fear Moses. It was apparent to them that he had been with God. It demonstrated what Israel was to be to other nations. The blessings that God bestowed on Israel were not for their own enjoyment, rather it was so that other nations would know God and his salvation. As the last verse of the Psalm 67 states, “May God bless us still, so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.”
It makes me wonder if people look at me and see God’s radiance on my face, “the joy of the Lord” (Nehemiah 8:10). Do they sense God is at work in my life and feel a proper reverence, a fear of God. The blessings in my life, the abundant grace he gives me should flow into the lives of those around me so that “the peoples praise you, God; may all the peoples praise you (Psalm 67:5).”
© 2018 CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
Thoughtful reminder! Within our selves, we sometimes forget that God’s presence is everywhere.
Oh my, I just wrote about this in my next 3 blogs I have prepared. God is so good to have us all in sync sometimes. He reaffirms that this is the message we are to give. He is so good to His children.
God bless you and yours! Hugs.
I love that when it happens. It is reaffirming when God relays a message through multiple channels. Yes, God is good. His love and grace is abundant. Blessings to you and yours!
Yes! As Peter says in his first book, Ch 4, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” God gives to us so that we may cheerfully give to others, that we may glorify Him!
Another good verse to remind us to minister to others who need to experience God. Thanks.
Great reminder. Thank you. God should shine through us as He shines upon us.