8 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done.
9 Sing to him, sing praise to him;
tell of all his wonderful acts.
10 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
11 Look to the Lord and his strength;
seek his face always.
Reflection
Our (suddenly!) 5 year old is so smart and curious. She thinks about things for a long time. She’s had great grandparents who have passed away and pets in the family have passed away so we’ve talked a lot about heaven, and being with God. I try to remind her that even though we miss the ones who have passed away, and they miss us, they are happy because they are in paradise hanging out with God and Jesus.
Inevitably questions like, “What Does God Look LIke?” Or “Where is God?” Or “Is God Here?” have come up.
Lots of big questions that could be easy to answer with, “of course He is here,” “He is in everything” “He’s all around us.”
First of all, that is an awful lot of “HE”s. Second, that’s not good enough. She wants more details. She wants to know what God’s face looks like. She wants to know what God is doing right now, and how God can be in heaven but also here.
It’s a solid reminder as I try to explain to her exactly what God looks like, and what God is doing and how God is doing it.
God looks like any one of us and every one of us. God looks like a warm hug to someone feeling sad, God looks like a beautiful sunset over the lake, or the sunrise over the mountains. God is working hard to feed those who are hungry, comfort those who are lost, and wrap a blanket around those who are cold. God has eyes for seeing anyone who is lost, a mouth to sing to anyone feeling sad, and arms to catch anyone who falls. God looks like snow-covered trees, a warm plate of food being placed on a table, and holding the door open for the person behind you.
God’s face can be seen in every other person’s. God’s name can be pronounced in any language that exists. God’s promise can be understood without any words spoken at all.
by Ashley Bowler
For Pondering and Prayer
Where have I recently “looked to the Lord” and seen God’s presence show up in everyday moments or people?
What “wonderful acts” of God—big or small—can I name and give thanks for today?
How might I help someone else see God’s face through my actions, kindness, or words this week?
Prayer: Loving God, help us see Your face in the people and moments around us. Give us grateful hearts to remember Your goodness and curious hearts to keep seeking You. Guide our actions so we reflect Your love today. Amen.
