When someone looks at your face, what does your countenance reveal? This is beyond cosmetics. It’s much deeper than that. One definition of countenance is “The face as an indication of mood, emotion, or character. When the masks were removed this year after Covid-19, what did your countenance reveal about you?
The Bible has several references to countenance. Here are a few:
Revelation 1:16 comments on our Lord’s countenance. It says, “He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.” Jesus’ countenance was radiant as the sun at high noon, revealing the dazzling splendor and transcendent glory of His deity. Praise His Holy Name!
Ecclesiastes 8:1 states, “How wonderful to be wise, to analyze and interpret things. Wisdom lights up a person’s face, softening its harshness.” Solomon affirmed that only a wise man can size up situations properly and act accordingly. Wisdom brings radiance to a person’s countenance, and an otherwise stern appearance is softened.
Proverbs 15:13 states, “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” This verse links the inner person (one’s emotions) with the outer appearance (one’s countenance). Thus, a merry heart is reflected in a smiling face.
Psalm 42:11 states, “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” God is always faithful. When we determine He is our Rock, it helps our very countenance to reflect this blessed hope.
If I were to look at your face, your countenance would reveal some things about you. In Nehemiah, Chapter 2, his countenance revealed to the king his sadness of heart over his homeland being desolate. Moses’ countenance revealed that He had been in the presence of God and was so radiant his face had to be covered with a veil. Daniel and his two companions’ countenances were better than the other youth who were ordered to eat the king’s choice food.
What does your countenance witness about you? Let’s ponder this question and ask God to help our countenance reflect His presence to all who come in contact with us. To do so it will take eliminating large amounts of time on Facebook, so you can seek His Face. Instead of constant texting, it will take studying the text of His Word. Instead of sharing your opinion, it will take sharing Jesus’ thoughts on the subject. Then more and more, your inner transformation will be reflected in your outer countenance.
As you ponder this, let me leave this benediction with you from Numbers 6:24-26:
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Amen!
Paula is compassionately committed to biblically teach and mentor women who desire to be renewed in their minds by God’s eternal Word so their destinies will become a reality. She goes beyond sharing biblical principles to practical application for everyday living.
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