Psalm 17:15

As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.

In the previous verse David points out the reward for evil men. Their reward is here on earth. The food they eat, the money they make and the pleasures that they have here is their only reward. And the pleasures aren’t even eternal. When they die, they can’t take them with them. Instead they must be satisfied to leave it with their children. The extent of their pleasures is limited to what they experience on this earth.

The follower of God has a different reward. The reward they search for is not on this earth. More importantly it is not limited to their brief time on earth. Instead it is an everlasting reward. Their reward is being in the presence of God. They will get to see the face of God. When given the choice between the temporal pleasures of the world and the eternal glory of God’s presence, David is more than satisfied to take the door number two.

David also hits on a crucial truth. The glory of the afterlife is often described in physical terms to help us understand how amazing it will be. Sometimes we get sidetracked into thinking these physical ideas are the reward awaiting us. However, the true reward is to be in the presence of God. There are many things in His creation that give us hints at His glory. One stands in awe at the beauty of the Grand Canyon or snow capped mountains. A sunset can take a person’s breath away. Yet, these are only glimpses of the true glory of God. Like Moses, our mortal frames are unable to view Him in His true glory. Yet, one day we will be able to stand in His true glory. It is literally unimaginable, and yet it will be ours to behold throughout eternity.

As for me, I shall behold Your face in righteousness; I will be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.