This is the True Desire

Scripture:
May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face to shine upon us,      Selah
that your way may be known upon earth,
your saving power among all nations.
Let the peoples praise you, O God;
let all the peoples praise you.
Psalm 67:1-3

Observation: This psalm opens with this wonderful prayer ... that the Lord would look upon the earth with his glory. It is desired that the Lord would be known throughout the world - known to all nations - and that all the people of every nation would praise him.

This is the true desire, the true goal and purpose of life ... that we would be in such a relationship with the Lord that we would spend our time in prayer and praise, and he would shine his love upon us all. This would be a condition for all the world, and for every nation and people group.

Selah ... think and ponder how wonderful that would be.

Application: I know that our fallen nature impedes this ideal scenario. The Lord would gladly shine upon us, and he desires to make himself and his saving power known to all the nations. Yet all the people will not praise him. In some places - like where I currently live - most people would even deny him.

I am sad for this. However, I can praise the Lord. I can praise him in my daily work, in my thoughts, in my words to others, and even in actual praise and singing. I can seek his face and his grace and his blessing. I can help to make him known upon the earth and to the nations.

May all glory and honor and praise and worship be given to the Lord God almighty, and to his son Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Lord, my God, may I honor you today and every day. May your face shine upon us, the entire earth, all nations, my nation, my community, and my family, according to your will. Amen.