Pānîm: Attachment with God
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:11)
King David is concluding the final verse of his song, one being sung in the throws of peril yet culminating with a word of trust.
He is rendering his faith to a God who, not from afar, but in the thick of his troubles is revealing the way for him. Elohim joins the anointed one in the shadows, preserving his anxious heart.
There is no doubt the presence of God is near David, but perhaps we may find that there is something more defined and corporeal about this presence that’s deeply reassuring.
As it is, the word for presence, pānîm, is also the word for face.
This is important because, while presence can be heard and known and felt (as when another enters a room), a face must be seen, for much is communicated through the face.
Even before a single word can escape our lips, thousands have been spoken through our countenance. It is how our Creator designed us, and it all points back to relationship.
Here we find fascinating insights from the world of interpersonal neurobiology.
The right hemisphere of our brain interprets inputs in a fraction of a second, making connections between our senses (such as sight) and our memories. These connections far outpace our ability to speak and engage in cognitive dialogue.
Integral to this process are our mirror neurons, which, upon witnessing the expression of another’s face, automatically trigger both motor and emotional processes in our nervous systems, influencing our own feelings and behaviors.
In a word: how we look at another person physiologically influences them, as does the expression on their face towards us.
One need not look any further than the rich science behind early-childhood attachments to understand why this is significant. Core to our design is the need to both see, and be seen by, a face that offers affection and safety and a sense of belonging. It shapes who we become and how we experience the world, particularly in moments of danger.
Why bring this up?
Because David, who is pleading with his Maker to preserve him and give him refuge, looks up and meets the face of God.
And what does God’s face look like?
Joy.
Unending, exuberant, joy.
Elohim is filled with delight, brimming with admiration, squinting with gladness, and glowing with gaiety.
This is not a sadistic ruler taking pleasure in the suffering of David; this is an all-knowing Father of intimately secure attachment comforting his child while confident in the power of his goodness to swallow up every trouble and torment.
It’s a joy anchored in hope, scoffing at the frailty of evil’s attempts to contend with Love. It reaffirms that there is safety and security with our Creator - that “no weapon that is fashioned against you shall succeed” (Isaiah 54:17).
Yes, it is true that “the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), and nowhere do we encounter his joy more than when we look upon his face.
In response to the richness of this reality, here is my invitation to you:
Close your eyes for a moment and picture the face of God.
Picture it overflowing with fullness of joy.
Imagine tears of adoration welling up in the corners of His eyes as He looks into your eyes and smiles from ear to ear.
Envision His delight renewing any parts of your soul that are hurting, weary, doubtful or numb.
Even if only by pretending, allow His divine gladness to restore what is barren to the fertile soils of a lush garden.
And then, when you’re ready, I want you to smile.
Yes, by yourself, as your mind’s eye gazes upon the face of your Maker, let yourself smile a smile that beams utmost pleasure, then hold it.
It may feel natural, or extremely uncomfortable. Simply notice anything that comes up in you, being curious without judgment.
Now, going into your day, as the people of God have offered in benediction for centuries, my prayer for you is this:
“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” (Numbers 6:25). Amen.
BONUS:
Interested in learning more about this connection between facial expression, attachment, joy, and our sense of safety? Here are 3 great resources:
The Still Face Experiment - If you haven’t watched this, it’s 3 minutes well worth your time!
Attached to God by Krispin Mayfield, LPC
The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder
