beauty beheld

 Saturday, March 13, 2021 (6:55 a.m. 13˚)

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Holy God,

Thank You Lord. Fun was had. Rest gotten. Beauty beheld.

How blessed are we to even have a Bible verse that speaks of beholding beauty! Psalm 27:4. David’s prayer of confidence in You. “I am pleading with the Eternal for this one thing, my soul’s desire: To live with Him all of my days - in the shadow of His temple, To behold His beauty and ponder His ways in the company of His people” (The Voice).

Even as my questions are forming, You have provided direction. Over to The Passion Translation to learn more. Discussion of David’s desire regarding Your temple. The meaning of the Hebrew word for “beauty” (no’am). As well as thoughts on pondering.

At the writing of this psalm a temple had yet to be built. Perhaps David was expressing his eagerness to be surrounded with Your presence. Encompassed with Your holiness.

While the Hebrew word used for beauty (no’am) isn’t easily expressed in one English word, the list of possibilities seems endless. Sweetness. Pleasantness. Friendliness. Graciousness. Goodness. Loveliness. Splendor. Delightfulness.

The Passion Translation footnote encourages taking each term and reading the verse again. “We must be captured by the awesomeness of God each time we come before Him and rejoice in His friendship.”

It’s so very true Dearest Lord! You are worthy of far more than the ready lip service I at times offer to You.

“The Hebrew verb baqar can also mean ‘inquire,’ ‘meditate,’ ‘take pleasure in,’ and, in a general sense, ‘worship,’ ‘pray,’ or ‘seek [guidance].’” Oh most Dear and Blessed God, as we continue being aware of and beholding Your beauty, I ask You to use us to Your good and to Your glory.

Your have blessed us profoundly and we long to share Your beauty with others. Do all You must to Your perfect end. We love You. We thank You. And we sing as we ask ♪To God be the glory, great things He hath done. So loved He the world that He gave us His Son…♪

Oh yes, most dear and blessed God, bless us and keep us in Your perfect care. Thank You. Praise You. Amen.

(376 words ~ 7:51 a.m. 19˚)