Fullness of Joy
“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”- Psalms 16:11
I remember when I first started writing the Daily Dose Devotional back in 2019. It is hard to believe that it has been going on for five years now. What a blessing it has been to me to write each day as the Lord puts an encouraging message on my heart. Truthfully, I am happy to share it, but I know I am the one who benefits most from it.
The key verse today is one that I memorized at a very young age, but only now am I beginning to really understand it. It is fitting that the first time I heard this scripture was in a story I was told in junior church back when I was in elementary school. I never understood why it stuck with me all of these years because I thought it was something that you could only experience once you died and went into the presence of God for all eternity.
Now, I realize that I don’t have to die to be in the presence of God. In fact, I go there every day. I set aside special quiet time to sit in His presence and to commune with Him. I can attest to the truth of this passage that when I do, I experience His fullness of joy in my life.
Even though we are going to go through things in this world, as we follow the path that God shows us and stay in His presence each day, we can have that promise of fullness of joy. This was evident in the Apostle Paul’s life. On one occasion, he and his partner had been beaten and thrown into prison but instead of being afraid or angry, they rejoiced! Acts 16:25 says “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.” How could they do that? Number one, they knew they were on God’s path, the path of life. And secondly, even though they were in prison, they could still be in God’s presence. They knew that no matter where they ended up, God was with them!! Now that’s something to rejoice about.
We can have that fullness of joy each day too by following the path He shows us and knowing that no matter what is on that path, God is with us. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us. (See Hebrews 13::5) So, no matter what life throws your way today, remember that God is with you and will get you through it. There is nothing too difficult for Him!!
Today I want to encourage you to set time aside each day to spend in the presence of God. Begin to follow the path of life He is showing you. Then as you go through your day on His path, remember that He is with you and goes with you wherever that path leads. His joy is available to you all day long simply by recognizing that when you follow the path He designed for you, you remain in His presence. Let that joy inspire you to rejoice in your life no matter what the circumstances are around you. In this crazy, messed up world that we live it, we need His presence more than ever. Keep Him in mind as you go through your day and talk with Him along the way. He will always be there for you the more you determine to be on His path, the easier it will be to rejoice in His fullness of joy!
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 16
1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.
2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You.”
3 As for the saints who are on the earth, “They are the excellent ones, in whom is all my delight.”
4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who hasten after another god; Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take up their names on my lips.
5 O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places; Yes, I have a good inheritance.
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope.
10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.
11You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
The Daily Dose 