Manna For Today: Psalm 4

Psalm 4:1-8

Key Verse: 4:6-7

“Many people say, ‘Who will show us better times?’ Let your face smile on us, Lord. You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.” NLT

Few things feel better than having a loved one smile kindly and lovingly in your direction. Whether it a parent, your spouse or someone else for whom you feel deeply, the right person smiling in your direction can make your day. How much more so, when the one smiling at you is God? When a loved one smiles at us, it does not necessarily change what is happening in our lives at the time, but a smile from the right person can help change our perspective on the events of any given day. A smile can make a rough day feel better.

We are at a time when we all are indeed looking for “better times.” But even in these dark times, God had given us great joy. Right now spring is upon us. The flowers are blooming, the trees are budding, the birds are singing.  There are so many joys which fill our lives. These can be the ways we experience the smile of God in our lives. Seeing the first buds on the trees; hearing the spring birds; or even seeing two bunnies chasing each other around the yard, can bring joy to these otherwise fearful times. God is smiling on us; God is giving us great joy.  

Thing to Think on

Think about a time when a loved one smiled at you, perhaps when you were small and your mother held you in her arms or sometime when your grandfather gave you that smile made you smile in return. How did that smile make your feel?

What would it mean for God to smile in your direction today? What would that look like in your life?

As you go through the day, make a list of the things which bring you joy. Take time to thank God for the ways you have seen “God’s smile” through these things.

A Prayer for Today

Lord, your goodness shines forth all over the earth. The Birds sing throughout the day. The trees burst forth with new life. The world is full of good and beautiful things. Help me to see you smiling at me in and through all these small things. Even as I am going through tough times, I can see the ways you bring great joy into my life. Help me to see your face throughout the day. Help me to experience your smile and allow it to change my perspective on the day. - Amen