“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

This is my wish for you in the coming New Year. It was a Aaronic benediction used by priests in the Old Testament. The phrase “make his face shine upon you” was meant as “may you have acceptance and favor with the Lord” (according my NIV study Bible). When I read it, I had a different picture.

The image I saw was a mother watching her precious child through sparkling eyes, her face shining with unconditional love. That is the way I like to think of my Lord looking over me. He is beaming with acceptance because I am His. I don’t have to hope for or look for His favor. It is already there.

Each day, may you remember that this Priestly Blessing is yours to claim and know that His face does shine upon you, His precious child.

How you drawing closer to the Lord this year?