"Shine On Us"

There are songs that simply resonate with how I am feeling at various moments of each day or just in life. There was a song that really struck me today as I had my iphone on Pandora Radio. It was the song "Shine On Us" by Phillips Craig and Dean. I am almost certain that numerous artists have a version of it as well.

In fact, when I was in third grade; there was a third grade version of it, or at least it was our third grade version of it.

I cannot post a link because I can't get to YouTube on my computer, but go ahead and check it out.

Here are the lyrics.

Lord, let Your light
light of Your face
shine on us

Lord, let Your light
light of Your face
shine on us

That we may be saved
that we may have life
to find our way in the darkest night
let your light shine on us

Lord, let your grace
grace from Your hand
come over us

Lord, let your grace
grace from Your hand
come over us

That we may be saved
that we may have life
to find our way in the darkest night
let Your grace come over us

Lord, let Your love
love with no end
come over us

Lord, let Your love
love with no end
come over us

That we may be saved
that we may have life
to find our way in the darkest night
let Your love come over us
let Your light shine on us

I don't know what inspired this song to be written, but I do know it echoes two passages that come to my mind--Psalm 27:1 and Numbers 6:24-26

Psalm 27:1

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 

The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Numbers 6:24-26 (this is known as the Aaronic Blessing):

"The LORD bless you 

and keep you;

the LORD make His face shine upon you 

and be gracious to you;

the LORD lift up His countenance upon you 

and give you peace."

I just want to point out a few things without getting too preachy.

1. The answer to Psalm 27:1's questions is simply 

"There is no one that I should fear and nothing I should be afraid of!" 

2. When the Lord's face shines upon some one it means that there is intended good coming their way. The person who blesses the people wants the Lord to show mercy, compassion and grace in their life. 

And the Lord does just this.

However, this doesn't always mean a "happy go lucky" kind of life from this blessing. 

You see, the Lord's face shining upon us means just what Psalm 27:1 questions

WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

OF WHOM SHALL I BE AFRAID?

NO ONE.

No matter what we are going through, no matter what we have gone through and no matter what we are going to go through; the Lord is the Lord of whatever circumstance we are in. 

God is God alone. In the good times and bad; He is on His throne; reigning victoriously.

But remember; it is one thing to have the knowledge that God is the ruler over all situations and that He is always with us, but it is a whole different side of the coin when we actually believe that this is true.

When we believe this: 

...it changes who we are.

...it changes how we live.

..it changes how we interact with others and God.

...it changes our mindset.

God's grace is never to far away to find someone; 

to find a heart to change, 

or a heart to mold 

or a mind to transform. 

God promises that nothing will separate us from His love (Romans 8)....

...do we know this promise?

...and do we believe this promise?

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? 

The LORD is the stronghold of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?

When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, 

my adversaries and foes, 

it is they (my adversaries and foes) who stumble and fall.

Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; 

though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.

One thing have I asked of the LORD,

 that will I seek after: 

                              that I may dwell in the house of the LORD 

                                                                                                                 all the days of my life, 

                                                                                to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD 

and to inquire in His temple.

For He will hide me in His shelter in the day of trouble; 

       He will conceal me under the cover of His tent; 

       He will lift me high upon a rock.

And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, 

and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; 

I will sing and make melody to the LORD.           

Hear, 

O LORD, 

when I cry aloud; 

be gracious to me 

and answer me! 

You have said, 

                   "Seek my face." 

My heart says to you, 

                              "Your face, LORD, do I seek."

Hide not your face from me. 

                                      Turn not your servant away in anger, 

                                                                                         O you who have been my help.

Cast me not off; 

                      forsake me not, 

O God of my salvation!

For my father and mother have forsaken me, 

                                                                     but the LORD will take me in.

Teach me your way, 

O LORD, 

and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.

Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; 

for false witnesses have risen against me, 

and they breathe out violence.

I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!

Wait for the LORD; 

be strong, 

and let your heart take courage; 

wait for the LORD!

***Psalm 27 from the Holy Bible: English Standard Version

To all who read this:

The LORD bless you 

              and keep you;

the LORD make His face shine upon you 

              and be gracious to you;

the LORD lift up His countenance upon you 

              and give you peace.

Amen.

***Numbers 6:24-26 from the Holy Bible: English Standard Version