May the Lord Bless You

The Lord bless you and keep you is a famous verse from Numbers. It is a promise from God and it is very personal in nature. It’s as a picture of a father looking at his young child lovingly. And His promise is peace. Stop and thank Him for the peaceful nature of His love if you know that peace. If not, just tell Him you want it.

The LORD bless you, and keep (watch over, preserve) you; The LORD cause His face to shine on you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His face to you, and give you peace.  Numbers 6: 24-26 NASB

What a warm and intensely personal scripture to slow down and take in.   Unlike many other Old Testament blessings this one originated from God, not priests.   

Listen to the action words used here.

He causes His face to shine on you. 

He wants to be gracious to you. 

Yes, you.  

Can you believe that?   

Let that thought sink in for a moment.

He lifts His face to look into your eyes.  He gives you peace that is free and plentiful.

The word bless in this famous passage does not imply that we will get material blessing or good circumstances, but rather it points to the idea of God being present with you.   His presence is much more valuable than His benefits.

Blessing is really about His peace. 

Slow down for a moment and just take in this grand idea. Your Father in heaven wants to be gracious to you!