His Face - His Favor

It is hard to believe that, 31 years ago today, we launched CCLI. I am overwhelmed thinking about being the Founder of this wonderful service to churches around the world. As I look back, I am reminded about one of our Global Executive meetings, where we focused our minds and our hearts on discussing our future, strategizing and, above all, seeking the Face of God together. I was inspired to focus on a very interesting connection between the “Face” of God and the “Favor” of God.

Proverbs 16:15 says, “In the light of the king’s countenance is life; and his favor is as a cloud of the latter rain”.

The word “countenance” is the Hebrew word – pânîym – which means “face, presence.” It is the same word that is used in Psalm 16:11 – “…in your presence is fullness of joy…” The word “favor” is the Hebrew word – râtsôn – which means “delight, favor, pleasure”. In other words, when you are in His Presence, you can find His Favor!

It is so easy, in the midst of one’s plans, to get caught up in activities and plans that we think are favorable. And, it is also very easy to get caught up with the “agendas” of our own heart. Have you ever met someone who, although they convey a “face” that reflects genuine care and concern, seems to have another motive for talking with you? I call that the “WIIFM” spirit – What’s In It For Me??? The objective of WIIFM people is to get whatever you can!

Sometimes we inadvertently apply that rationale to our worship activities and our worship involvements. We get caught up in the scheming and manipulating of ulterior motives – who should sing what, who should stand where, who gets the spotlight, who gets the attention, who gets the applause…

And then we wonder why we aren’t “blessed”, why we can’t find His favor…

The Psalmist David said it quite simply in Psalm 17:15 – “As for me, I will behold Your face…”

Our designs, plans and agendas quickly dissipate when we realize that the exquisiteness of His essence overrides everything else. We also become acutely cognizant of the fact that, many times, our agendas make us “unfit” to behold His Face. And that can sometimes be quite awkward…and quite embarrassing!!!

I hope and pray that all of us can genuinely laying aside our agendas and find some time to earnestly seek His Face. No strings attached…

For where we find His Face, we find His Favor…