Psalm 34:5
“They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.”
The book of Psalms is the most popular portion of the Bible—for three reasons. First, it’s honest. The psalmists pour out their raw emotions: joy, sorrow, fear, anger, and praise. Second, it’s poetic and personal, filled with lyrics that resonate deeply. And third, it speaks to every season of life, making it familiar even to non-believers through songs, quotes, or art.
In Psalm 34, “they” refers to those who seek and trust God. “Him” refers to the Lord—our rescuer, defender, and provider. The verse says they looked to Him—not glanced, not scrolled past, but fixed their attention on Him—and became radiant.
Radiance isn’t about glowing skin or perfect selfies. In this context, it means a deep inner brightness—peace, joy, confidence—that shows on your face and in your actions. It’s the light that comes from being seen, known, and loved by God.
Many people today wrestle with shame—over past mistakes, failed relationships, addictions, secret habits, or the pressure to meet unrealistic expectations. These things weigh us down and dim our confidence.
But when we look to God—through prayer, reading His Word, or simply calling on Him in our low moments—He lifts our heads. He replaces shame with acceptance, fear with courage, and heaviness with hope.
Look to Him daily. You don’t need a filter to be radiant—just faith.
