Face

A person's face is a window to their character and personality, with the outer expression on the face revealing the inner emotions. This visible indicator is a reflection of the inward feelings – be it anger, sorrow or joy (Gen 4:6; Neh 2:2; Prov 15:13). Moses face shone after being in God’s presence, and he put a veil over it (Ex 34:29-35). Our faces

What does my face reveal about my attitude to life?

Should reflect how we are changing on the inside more and more into the likeness of Christ (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18).

In the Bible various actions revealed different attitudes: hiding the face in shame and displeasure (Deut 32:20); covering the face with a veil showed reverence (Gen 24:65); setting one’s face in determination (Isa 50:7; Lk 9:51); to set the face against was opposition (Ps 34:16); bowing the face in respect (Josh 5:14); face to face indicated intimacy (Deut 34:10).

The ‘face’ of a person becomes synonymous with their presence. ‘Seeking the face of God’ is a term sometimes used by people indicating they are seeking specific guidance from the Lord. The advice to “seek His face continually” means to have the mind’s attention directed towards Him and the Bible declares, "He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him" (1 Chr 16:11; 2 Chr 7:14, 30:9). David's heart cry was, "Your face I will seek. Do not hide your face from me" expressed his desire for a continuance of God's presence with him at all times (Ps 27:8,9).

The Bible encourages us to "Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always" (Ps 105:4). Often we live by our own understanding and appraisal of the facts and do not inquire of the Lord (Josh 9:14). By failing we get His view on a matter we can be easily deceived. By neglecting to pursue Him, His holy character and wisdom is obscured by our human condition and fleshly desires and understanding. The Lord wants us humbly and trustingly seek His face (presence) especially in our times of prayer and Bible reading, when we are focused exclusively on Him for as we "Come close to God, and He will come close to you" (Jas 4:8). He wants to be our constant companion through life if we walk uprightly and welcome His company. True worship is seeking God's face and being devoted to pleasing Him. A blessing often expressed is "The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face towards you and give you peace" (Num 6:25,26). The cry of the Psalmist was "Make your face shine upon us that we may be saved" (Ps 80:3,7,19). Our responsibility is to wholeheartedly turn to Him, and then He promises to meet with us (2 Chr 16:9; Ps 119:2; Jer 29:13).

On this earth we only have a poor reflection of Christ yet in eternity we will see Him in His completeness "face to face" (1 Cor 13:12). What a glorious day that will be.