Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance (Psalm 42:5 NKJV). The psalmist knew that whether in a valley of despair or on a mountaintop of ecstatic victory, his only real source of peace was in the presence of the Lord.
Countenance here means face, but other translations refer to it as the help of His presence. Nothing is more reassuring and helpful than recognizing the face of a loved one or trusted friend in a crowd of people. As we get off the plane in a strange airport thousands of miles from home, nothing helps us more than spotting our loved one waiting anxiously at the gate to greet us. The help of his countenance immediately dismisses all anxiety. The only thing better is to actually make physical contact and embrace.
So it is with the Lord, who comes to comfort and help us with His Holy Spirit. In the same way that we search the sea of people at the airport for the face of our loved one, the psalmist discovered that if he waited for God, just as we wait for that familiar face in the crowd, he would find the Lord's presence, and his fears and disquieted heart would be calmed.
Why the face? What is so impactful about the face? It is the most significant indicator of a person's heart and soul. A face-to-face interaction is more effective, in most instances, than a phone conversation in connecting with a person. Eye contact and facial gestures—smiles, scowls, excitement, fear--are all more accurately communicated by seeing someone's face. His approval or disapproval is more readily apparent.
Likewise, the Lord's approval and favor are apparent when His presence comes near us. In the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:25-26, Aaron blessed God's people with these words, “The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
We are encouraged in Psalm 105:4 to Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always. We may not see the actual visible face of the Lord, but the word is interchangeable with presence, and one can hardly deny the overwhelming sense of peace, strength, or comfort that is felt when His presence comes near. Although we cannot see Father God, men have seen the physical form and face of Jesus, who is the visible image of God. Seeing Jesus is like seeing God. For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6).
The Lord so wants to give us the help of His countenance. Nothing lifts us more than sensing the favor of God as His face shines on us. Seek His face always. Why not join me for a few minutes now to seek the Lord and the help of His countenance for this day? For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn His face from you if you return to Him (2 Chronicles 30:9).
© 2024, Chris Custer Werre
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