God Turned His Face Toward Me

Shawn K. Carson Artwork

Sitting in the thick of the forest with a bubbling brook nearby…

I looked to see a sunbeam streaming through the trees.

I’d been seeking him for so long I knelt upon my knees

Papa God where are you? I know you’re the God who sees.

I knelt there quietly and then I heard the voice, melodious and sweet

Gently, flowing on the breeze.

He spoke with tenderness, he was not harsh, I could barely believe his words, for in that moment

I quickly seized; his holy presence as it surrounded me.

Heart pounding, I took a look and this is what I found.

His piercing, smiling eyes, met mine and I began to cry.

He turned his face towards me I was awe struck and bowed before the King.

I’ve never known such peace and love, God turned his face to me, more gracious than anything in this realm, had I ever seen, and in that moment, I had no need.

No need of identity, no need of material gain, no need of wanting any earthly thing.

For I was seeking God’s good pleasure and his face is what I found. Flesh set free, unbounding love had been given unselfishly to me.

His smile was more radiant than the sun. His eyes like fire but didn’t burn. The ancient of age was not old, he was meek, childlike and calm. I reached to touch his face, he waited with tenderness and grace. And when I touched his skin, it was translucent like a cloud that gave a mirror image of who I was only it was not me it was Him.

And then he said, “Child of mine, I love you so, it is I who gave you life. Choose to use it for my good, choose to love not hate.”

Sitting in the thick of the forest, God turned his face to me…

Now all I see is Jesus everywhere I go and in everyone I meet.

~Marla Shaw O’Neill May 6, 2022

Numbers 6:24-26

King James Version The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.