What’s Covering You?

Radiance. You can’t miss it. It’s like driving west during the evening hour and having the sun blind you with its horizon hurrah. Radiance exacts a response from us. In the case of the sun, I squint and put the sunshade down. In the case of the Son, I bow in worship.

“I sought the Lord and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (Psalm 35:4-5)

As I read David’s words this morning, I’m convicted. What’s covering me? I’ve sought the Lord, looked to Him, so that means radiance, right? Then why don’t I always feel that glow?

For many years, shame has been my shadowed friend—for no apparent reason. I’ve not done anything dastardly, or had anything dastardly done to me. But sin finds the chink in our armor and nestles deep. My chink? Perfectionism. How I fail, day after day, to be who I want to be, who I think God and others want me to be.

Today is my anniversary, a day for radiance. How beautiful I felt that night of my wedding (read about that here). Nine years ago my face couldn’t help but blossom wide into smile—a smile that started in the core of my being and erupted through my countenance.

So it hits me: Looking to Him doesn’t mean I’m radiant, it means I reflect His radiance. It’s the Son shining in my eyes, blinding my view of myself. Decimating the shadow of shame. I’m covered . . .

. . . by His cloud, “Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34)

. . . with his garment, “‘Who are you?’ he asked. ‘I am your servant Ruth,’ she said. ‘Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are a kinsman-redeemer.’  ‘The LORD bless you, my daughter,’ he replied. ‘This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor.  And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character.’” (Ruth 3:9-11)

. . . with His protection, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)

. . . in righteousness, “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)

Celebrating today, not only nine years of life with my best friend, but years of His covering, His radiance, His life glowing within and upon me.

Worship with me? Sing to Jesus, Fernando Ortega.