“As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.” [Ps. 17:15]
To behold something is to gaze upon it, contemplate it, and get a vision of it. You might do this with a piece of art. It might be a stunning nature scene. You can even behold beautiful people by staring or gazing awkwardly.
When did you last linger in the presence of God to behold Him? Have you ever stayed in His presence to gaze upon Him in your secret room? [Matt 6:6] Have you ever caught a fresh vision of Him in the sanctuary as you beheld His glory and power? [Ps 63:2]
We do too little beholding and gazing. When we do, we too will discover a satisfaction that cannot be equaled or rivaled. Being satisfied means being filled, to have enough, to be given plenty, and to suffice. That is what God does for the soul that is hungry and thirsty for Him. God is the source of plenty, enough, and the source that fills the deepest cravings of our souls.
Do you know what happens when we behold Him long enough? We become like Him. We are shaped in His image. We become the similitude of Him in everyday life. Our heart becomes like His heart. Our words become like His words. Our love is deepened like His love. When people see us they see a reflection of our God. That is how it is supposed to work.
Since we so often foolishly quit seeking Him and chase after the fleeting pleasures of this world, we begin to look like the world and we become shaped in the image of the world. Here is the crazy thing. The world and all it offers never satisfies. It only leaves us hungry for more and more. We never get filled, we never have enough, and instead of plenty our souls are left wanting.
It is time to redirect the focus of our gaze. What is it that has captured your gaze? I ask you to contemplate the spiritual implications of what you are beholding. Is it satisfying? Is it making you more like Christ? If not, today is the day to direct your gaze on Him who alone can satisfy and make us in His likeness.
Steps to Revival
1. What are you spending your time beholding? If there is more than one make a list.
2. Are these things satisfying you or leaving you wanting more?
3. Do you feel you are living in the likeness of Christ?
4. Since God alone can satisfy will you take time to behold him today, to gaze upon Him and contemplate Him?
5. Ask God to satisfy your soul in Him and to make you in His likeness.
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