“Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread.”—Psalm 102:1–4
Nearly everyone meets someone who makes a big impact on their life. I could mention several people who had a positive influence on me.For example, I’ll never forget spending a couple days with Dr. Lee Roberson and admiring his wisdom and warmeth. I was reminded of that when I read this following article by Dr. Paul Chappell:
Dr. Lee Roberson once told the story of a young family who went through the tragic death of the young mother. The first night after the funeral service, the little daughter couldn’t sleep. She went to her father’s bedroom and asked if she could sleep with him. He agreed, and she climbed into bed. She still couldn’t sleep, and through the darkness her voice came, “Daddy, is your face turned toward me?”
All of us go through times when we wonder if there is anyone who cares about us. David knew that feeling when he was fleeing for his life to get away from Saul. He lamented: “No man cared for my soul” (Psalm 142:4). Yet no matter how alone we feel, even if those closest to us abandon us, God never turns away from us. There is nothing you can do that will change His love and compassion for you. The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our salvation is the ultimate testimony to the depth of God’s love for us.
Today spend some time rejoicing and giving thanks for your salvation. When you do, you will find that the burdens of life are lighter, and your hope for the future is greater. Jesus cried out on the cross, “My God, my God why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). His sacrifice to make atonement for your sins is all the guarantee that you will ever need that God’s face is toward you.
