I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed. (Ps. 34:4-5) After being married almost 30 years, my wife has developed the ability to know what I’m thinking just by looking at my face. Julie - “What’s bothering you?” Me - “Nothing.” Julie - “No, something’s bothering you. What is it?” Me - “How do you know something’s bothering me?” Julie – “You have that furrowed brow, low eyebrows, ‘something’s bothering me’ face.” She’s right every time. Of course, you don’t have to be married for thirty years to be able to tell what’s in someone’s heart by looking at their face. When I’m singing God’s praises (or playing an instrument), my face says a lot about what I’m thinking. If I’m wondering whether or not others like my voice, I might appear concerned. If I’m an instrumentalist wondering if I’ll play wrong notes, I may look tense, or simply have a blank stare. If I’m focused on impressing others, my face probably won’t be responding to the truths I’m singing about. However, if my heart is focused on trusting in and exalting my Savior, God says my face will be “radiant” – that is, “clearly emanating great joy, love, health.” Sometimes those of us who lead God’s people in praise do anything but inspire the congregation through our countenances. Rather than thinking we simply need to be more expressive, or “look like we’re enjoying it,” or “be an example,” we need to ask ourselves, “Who am I looking to as I sing/play/speak?” Whatever I’m doing, if I’m looking to anyone but God to deliver me from all my fears, there’s a good chance my countenance will be anything but radiant. I pray it will be obvious to everyone around you each Sunday and every day, that your mind and heart are held captive by the lavish grace God has displayed to us through the atoning sacrifice of His Son.
