Royston First United Methodist Church

“Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.”– Psalm 80:3

Have you ever heard someone described as glowing? You might sometimes hear a woman who is pregnant described in this way. Or perhaps the young couple who announces their engagement. Maybe it’s the student who has just graduated high school or college, or the parents who are beaming with pride over their child’s accomplishment.

In these moments, we see excitement and joy in the life of the person who is said to be glowing. Many of us will experience these moments. Unfortunately, these moments do not last forever. But what if we had a glow that never disappeared?

In this psalm, we read the request of the psalmist to God: “make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” Throughout the psalm, the request is made three times (vv. 3, 7, and 19). It reminds us of the priestly benediction in Numbers 6 (the one I share with you each Sunday): “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you,” (Numbers 6:24-25). It also reminds us of when Moses experienced God’s glory on Mount Sinai: “When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord,” (Exodus 34:29).

When we spend time with God regularly, God’s light shines in us and others experience God through us. We become reflectors of God’s love, mercy, and grace. In essence, the face of God shines on us. How are you spending time with God and allowing God to shine on you?

This Sunday is the third week in our This We Believe series and we are talking about the third person of God, the Holy Spirit. Have a great week and I look forward to being with you in worship on Sunday at 8:45 and 11:00 AM!

Blessings,
Matt

P.S. Wednesdays at Royston are exciting! Our Kids Klub has been averaging OVER 60 KIDS each week this month! Heather Woods and her team of volunteers have been doing a great job. The dinners have provided great fellowship and learning opportunities, and there have been some wonderful spiritual growth opportunities through music, study, and more. If you have not been with us on Wednesday evenings, I hope you will make plans to join us this Wednesday for dinner (you can RSVP below). As part of our program, you will have the opportunity to learn about the fantastic ministry being done through our blankets ministry.