I’m guessing we all have a wish list. Not saying that we’re covetous necessarily, but that if we were asked, “If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?” . . . most of us would have an answer . . . one or two (or three) things that we intensely desire. And it might not be material stuff . . . it might be a desire for a cure or restored health. And it might not even be for ourselves . . . it might something on our wish list that is for someone else. But, I’m guessing, if asked, we’d all come up with something.

In my reading in Psalm 119 this morning I was struck by something on the psalmist’s wish list. Actually on his “beg list” . . . on his “I-want-it-so-bad-I’m-at-the-point-of-being-sick-with-desire list”. And as I noodle on it, I can’t help but wonder why it wouldn’t be at the top of my list.

I entreat Your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to Your promise. (Psalm 119:58 ESV)

The psalmist, from the depths of his inner man, begs God for His face. Literally he is sick and weak with a consuming longing for the presence of God. His whole being cries out to know the countenance of God. It is the cry of Moses, “Please, show me Your glory” (Ex. 33:18).

The song writer sings from the depths of his heart of the desire to know afresh the favor of the LORD. Make Your goodness pass before me . . . proclaim Your name afresh such that I might know You more. You, O God, are gracious . . . show me Your grace . . . You, O God, abound in steadfast love and faithfulness . . . I want to know the depths of Your love . . . I want to comprehend the measure of Your beyond measure faithfulness.

Turn Your face toward me, O God! According to Your promise, let me comprehend and receive anew Your unmerited favor.

Spurgeon writes that “the presence of God is the highest form of His favor” and thus should be “the most urgent desire of gracious souls.”

And I wonder why it isn’t at the top of my wish list.

Maybe because I just assume His presence by default . . . after all He has taken up residence within me through the blessed Holy Spirit. Maybe because I’m content with yesterday’s encounter. Maybe because I’m must too busy or too distracted with more tangible desires and goals.

Whatever the reason, having known the favor of God should fuel a desire to know more the favor God. Having experienced God’s smile in the past should create a hunger and thirst for continual and increasing intimacy with His shining countenance. Having been awakened to the presence of God I should beseech the Lord with all my heart to know it in its fullness. Having known Him as my portion should fuel an intense passion to behold His fullness.

“If you could have anything in the world, what would it be?” It would be something out of this world . . .

I would beg to see Your face, Father . . . with all my heart, to know afresh Your presence . . .

Add that to the wish list.