“In Your presence is fullness of joy…” (Psalm 16:11 NKJ).
The Hebrew word translated presence in this verse is paneh (paw-neh’) which has several interesting meanings. One of these is “to turn one’s face in a certain direction.” The image is that determination expressed in Luke 9:53 in which Jesus is said to have had His face set to go to Jerusalem.
“One of my joys,” David is saying to his God, “is knowing that You are facing me. You have set Your sights on my victory and triumph. As I follow You and go Your way, I am assured that my life will be a happy and successful one. You lead and I will joyfully follow.”
Another meaning of paneh is “to turn from something to something.” The Lord has promised that if we will repent (turn from our sins) and return (turn) to Him, He will remove our sins and remember them against us no more.
Like Paul, we can then forget those things which are behind and press on toward those which lie ahead (Phil. 3:13). It is a comforting thought to know that God’s face is turned away from our past sins and turned toward our future life and triumph. That kind of knowledge produces joy.
Another meaning of paneh is “personal presence.” In Exodus 33:14 the Lord states, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest” (NKJ). Bible grammarians such as Gesenius render this phrase, “I Myself, I in person, My person, will go with you.” This is another reason for full joy: our God is with us!
Finally, paneh means “to look upon with personal approval or with favorable regard.” No longer alienated, we can now have God’s presence. His look of acceptance. We can all be happy knowing that God is pleased with us.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.