The Face of God

Jun 13 2025 - Eric Buresh

Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! 
Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. 
When You said, ‘Seek My face,’ 
My heart said to You, ‘Your face, Lord, I will seek.’ 
Do not hide Your face from me.” 
—Psalm 27:7–9 

I love words, but often they aren’t sufficient for the task. I would love to be able to express in words the deep, soul-satisfying sweetness when the Lord’s face shines in my direction. It’s a little like trying to express to a person who’s never had chocolate how chocolate tastes. If you haven’t experienced it, words can’t really convey it. If you have experienced it, you know what I’m saying without any words.   

To me, there is no sweeter command in all of Scripture: “Seek My face.” What tender mercy, that the Holy One would call us to draw near! What grace, that He who dwells in unapproachable light should invite frail dust into His presence! 

It is no wonder that the most ancient of blessings that has echoed down the centuries cries out for His shining face: 

The Lord bless you and keep you; 
The Lord make His face shine upon you, 
And be gracious to you; 
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, 
And give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26 

What a blessing! That the face of God would shine upon a man! That His gaze, brighter than ten thousand suns, would rest upon us in love. I pray this for you. 

Whether we know it or not, this is the answer to all struggle as we yet muddle through life with a thousand discontents. This is what David longed for when he cried, “Do not hide Your face from me!” For David knew what many today have forgotten: the true good of the soul is not found in wealth, or health, or earthly security, but in the presence of God. To lose His smile—this is grief indeed. But to bask in His light is life, and peace, and joy overflowing. 

This is the great secret of life: the face of God is the fountain of joy. Not the many gifts of God, but God Himself. Not merely His hand supplying our needs and wants, but His face shining upon our hearts. Christian, have you sought many things but missed the one thing? Do you believe deep down that contentment is not possible? Seek His face! Rise early to meet Him; retire late still whispering after Him. Let your heart shout even now, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Seek Him with boldness. Seek Him with hunger. Seek Him with love. And you will find, not a reluctant God, but a smiling Father. You will find the fullness of joy—not in the treasures of earth, but in the beams of His face.