the Rev. Henry Huenemann
Hide not thy face from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, 0 God of my salvation (Ps. 27:9).
Bible Reading
Psalm 27:Devotional
There is no true happiness apart from God. Only in communion with God do we experience lasting satisfaction and fullness of joy. It is only when we depart from God, not giving heed to his Word, that we bring ourselves into misery. Our sins separate us from God. The psalmist prays, "Hide not thy face from me; put not thy servant away in anger . . . leave me not." Does God do that? He would have every reason to leave us if He would deal with us after our sins. But He is merciful. Hear what He says: "For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment, but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee." He has promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Even when the people of God greviously sin, and they repent, and seek God with all their heart, and with all their soul, they shall find him. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." He will make his face shine upon his people. Let us not forget, He does this through Christ. "God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." And all believers shall behold his face in righteousness, and shall be satisfied, when they awake in his likeness.
Prayer
Our heavenly Father, we would praise Thy great and holy name for Thine infinite mercy shown unto us unworthy sinners in Jesus Christ Thy Son. We thank Thee that this mercy is from everlasting to everlasting. Continue to show us Thy mercy, O God of our salvation, and speak peace unto our souls. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: Ps. 27:9; Isa. 54:7,8; Heb. 13:5; Deut. 31:6-8; 4:29; 2 Chron. 7:14; Num. 6:25; 2 Cor. 4:6; Ps. 17:15.
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