Radiant

I love the beauty of the fall colors bursting forth the radiance of God! Every fall season, I am speechless over the orange, red, and golden leaves. It seems that almost in an instant, carefully orchestrated, the leaves burst forth their song to praise the God who created them. As we drive through the fall sunshine, I have a yearly tradition of pointing out which colors thrill me the most -- drawing attention to them and making sure no one in our family misses it.

Our girls have often heard their mama say, "You're so beautiful!" Their faces beam with joy in those tender moments! Then I say, "Who makes you beautiful???" "Jesus!!!" they say with such giddiness only a little girl could express. I affirm them, "That's right!! Jesus makes you beautiful!"

I love what Scripture tells us happened as a direct result of Moses’ time with the LORD. His face became radiant because he had spoken with the LORD (Exodus 34:29). Only God’s presence can bring that kind of transforming power. Our time with Him will have profound results. Jesus will transform us from the inside out as we spend time in His Word. Psalm 19:8 tells us, “The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”

David longs to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD (see Psalm 27:4-8). Behold the beauty of the LORD. Spending time lingering there with Him, resting in His presence, enjoying the intimacy of His embrace. As we have beheld the glory of our GOD, what is our result? “Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy.” Isaiah 60:5

We cannot help but be affected by His glory and His radiance. It is too bright, too beautiful, to walk away unchanged. Just as those fall trees burst forth their radiance, so God intends for us to be radiant and reflect His light to a world that walks in darkness. "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory -- we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord. And as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like Him and reflect His glory even more. Brighter and brighter glory -- this is the working of the Lord who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18 (blended translations)

Praise Him today as you behold His wonders. His bright glory fills the whole earth! (Isaiah 6:3, MSG)