January 16, 2024
It is sad to live a joyless life, but many do. Everything around them seems sour. Even if their lives are filled with abundant blessings, they somehow find reasons to complain. It's a tragedy in life to have joy available but not experienced.
King David must have been a joy to be around. He was a worshiper of the one true God and filled with joy. His Psalms drip with gladness and thanksgiving to God. This joy came because He “set the Lord before him” continually and sought to live in nearness to God. His life was focused on God.
He lists a few of the reasons he knew such joy in life in Psalm 16. There's only one reason these were recorded in the Bible: so you could understand this too! To realize them and rejoice in them is to find great delight. Rehearse these, with David, before the Lord in prayer and see if your soul is not lifted!
I HAVE JOY TODAY BECAUSE ...
1. THE LORD IS MY PORTION AND MY INHERITANCE
The LORD is the portion of my inheritance and my cup. You support my lot. The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me. (Proverbs 16:5-6)
What could I possibly need more than this?
2. THE LORD COUNSELS ME
I will bless the LORD who has counseled me. Indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. (Vs. 7)
God, who is perfect in wisdom, is my constant counselor. What better counsel could I receive?
3. THE LORD STABILIZES ME
I have set the LORD continually before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices. My flesh also will dwell securely. (vs. 8-9)
If God makes me secure, nothing can harm me!
4. THE LORD WILL NEVER ABANDON ME TO ETERNAL HELL
For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. (Vs. 10)
Because of the work of Christ, I will never see hell and am eternally spared from separation from God. Heaven is my home!
5. THE LORD DIRECTS ME
You will make known to me the path of life. (Vs. 11)
He will make sure that I can find the right path for my life. His will is knowable to me at all times as I look to Him!
6. THE LORD LETS ME EXPERIENCE HIS PRESENCE WHERE THERE IS FULL JOY!
In Your presence is fullness of joy. (Vs. 11)
Everything flows from His presence And we can experience His presence without ceasing. To have Him is to have joy!
7. THE LORD GIVES ME ETERNAL PLEASURE FROM HIS RIGHT HAND
In Your right hand, there are pleasures forever. (Vs. 11)
His hands are filled with pleasures for us to enjoy and we will experience them forever and ever! He has gladly chosen to give us the kingdom.
How can we read these words and experience His presence and not have fullness of joy? Take a few minutes and read these truths over again and again. Rehearse them before your soul. Praise our giving Father in prayer and song as you read them. And walk into today with joy!
October 21, 2024
October 17, 2024
Our greatest misconception is that God is uninterested in us. From the beginning our Ancient Enemy has deceived us into thinking that God is holding out and on us and that He has no interest in our fellowship.
But the testimony of Scripture (and of men and women who have known Him) shatters this lie like a hammer shattering a rock.
October 16, 2024
