Leaning toward the Son

A birch tree that grows in my backyard has a curious curve to it, somewhat like this- ). A large maple tree blocks the sunlight on one side, so the birch has grown toward the sun. It does so because the sun is its source of energy and life. That tree reminds me to face the Son! In the face of Jesus Christ, I find my life, my strength. Do you? Does your life lean towards the Son?

The direction that we face in our attitude has consequence. It’s not ‘just a look.’ If we gaze longingly at the forbidden fruit that promises to satisfy our hunger, we will inevitably drift in the direction of disobedience, into sin. If we cast our glance, again and again, to some past failure, regret will overtake us and bring despair. But, if we build the habit of turning to the Lord in worship, like the birch tree bent towards the sun, our lives will lean towards Him. From Him we will find health – emotional and spiritual. Scripture says "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance (face).” (Psalm 42:11, KJV) Turn to the Lord and let Him put a healthy glow on your face! Another of the holy songs says, "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance. (face)" (Psalm 89:15, KJV) Worship turns us towards the Lord and there, face to face, we are brightened!

How much ‘facetime’ do you invest with the Lord each day?

Facetime are those moments spent face to face, connecting and communicating. There is a real difference between just being around someone and really seeing them face to face! We do not thrive spiritually just because we have some passing awareness of Jesus’ Presence. We need to make time for facetime with Him, time when we are doing nothing other than worshipping Him, meditating on His Words, listening for the whisper of the Spirit in our soul.

Here’s a word from the Word, full of promise, an amazing statement. "God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." (2 Corinthians 4:6-7, NIV) When we turn to let the brilliance of the light of Jesus’ face shine on us, He creates treasure from our daily lives! It’s not our radiance that shines, for we are just ordinary people. It is His reflected glory that makes us someone special.

Are you leaning toward the Son?
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O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth
Will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
Lemmel, Helen H.
© Public Domain