WHEN GOD SMILES AND SAYS “THANKS”

READ: Psalm 103:8-13

“… you have received a spirit of adoption. When we

cry, ‘Abba! Father’, it that very Spirit bearing

witness with our spirit that we are children

of God.” Romans 8: 15-16 (NRSV)

the familiar words of the Aaron Benediction:

“May the Lord bless you and keep you;

May the Lord make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”

imparted special meaning to me that Sunday morning as I had been reflecting on my relationship with God. It seemed that I was stranded on a plateau in my spiritual journey and I coveted a closer connection with the Lord. This time the phrase, “May the Lord’s face shine upon you”, evoked a special response within me. Like many believers I had previously been concentrating on my faith in God and appreciating His impact on my life. It was quite a change to think of God affirming His faith in me and appreciating me!! The thought of my words or deeds bringing a smile of pleasure to His face and/or word of affirmation was awesome!! It was moment when nothing ever made me feel quite so loved and complete as when God would with a “smile” say “Thanks”.

Some of my relatives and long-time friends have remarked that I look a lot like my Dad, and although he and I were never really close, I do find I have some of his characteristics. Hopefully, the same is true with my resemblance to my heavenly Father.

Most believers recognize that we are created in our Father’s image and we need to live as His children – bearing the family resemblance. However, not just reflecting him by dutifully serving but spurred on by the thought of His smile and word of thanks. Finally and hopefully, each of us will someday be rewarded by the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” in addition the thought of His smile and thanks. Amen.