Paul Wilbur - Show Me Your Face Lyrics

Show Me Your Face

Show Me Your Face Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Paul Wilbur's song "Show Me Your Face," released with a video on September 30, 2013, is a powerful expression of longing for the manifest presence of God. Known for his Messianic worship music, Wilbur often bridges the gap between Jewish and Christian traditions, and this song deeply resonates with biblical themes of encountering the Divine. The musical arrangement typically supports the earnest plea of the lyrics, often building with orchestral elements that emphasize the song's reverent yet passionate tone, creating an atmosphere suitable for corporate or personal worship.

The central theme of the song is an intense desire to experience God's direct presence, symbolized by the request to "Show me Your face." This isn't merely a casual wish but a fervent plea for a profound spiritual encounter. The lyrics express the belief that such an encounter provides not only strength ("gird up my legs that I might stand in this holy place") but also the endurance needed to persevere through life's journey ("I could make it to the end if I can just see Your face"). This highlights the core message that seeing God's glory, power, and grace is the ultimate source of stability and hope for the believer.

The song draws upon significant biblical narratives to illustrate this theme. The reference to Moses standing on the mountain recalls the account in Exodus 33, where Moses asked to see God's glory, and God allowed him to see His back as He passed by, shielding Moses with His hand because no one could see God's face and live. This historical reference underscores the immense power and holiness of God's presence, while the subsequent line "Now You've called me to boldly seek Your face" suggests a shift in how believers can approach God through grace. The mention of David, who knew there was "something more than the ark of Your presence," perhaps hints at the psalmist's deep desire for intimacy with God Himself, beyond physical symbols of His presence (Psalm 27:8, Psalm 42:2). The inclusion of the baby born in a manger among kings and peasants connects the ancient longing for God's presence to the incarnation of Jesus, seen as the ultimate revelation of God's face to humanity (John 1:14, Colossians 1:15).

Through these historical examples and the personal plea, "Show Me Your Face" serves as an inspiration for listeners to cultivate their own pursuit of God's presence. It encourages a bold, yet reverent, seeking of the Divine, reminding believers that strength, power, grace, and the ability to finish the race of faith are found in encountering the living God. The song culminates in a collective declaration, acknowledging that it is together, by seeing His face, that believers can endure to the end, fostering a sense of shared journey and mutual encouragement in seeking God.