Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy is in Gods Presence.
Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path
of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
INTRODUCTION
Joy comes from being in Gods presence.
True joy is far deeper than happiness; we can
feel joy in spite of our deepest troubles.
Happiness is temporary because it is based on external
circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on
Gods presence within us. As we contemplate his
daily presence, we will find contentment. As we
understand the future he has for us, we will experience
joy. Dont base your life on circumstances, but
on God. [Life Application SB]
Our growth in grace, our joy, our
usefulness, - all depend upon our union with Christ. It
is by communion with Him, daily, hourly, -by
abiding in Him, - that we are to grow in grace. He
is not only the Author, but the Finisher of our
faith. It is Christ first and last and always. He
is to be with us, not only at the beginning and
the end of our course, but at every step of the
way. [Remnant SB]
COMMENTARY PEARL
Enjoying God's Presence
Have you ever watched a young couple
communicate their love for each other without even
saying a word? Maybe you have experienced it
yourself. Every glance, every touch, every smile
conveys love. People deeply in love find absolute
bliss simply being in each other's presence.
In the same way, simply being in the
presence of God brings us great joy. It happens as we
listen to Him speak in His Word; It happens as we
pray. But it also happens as we simply enjoy His
presence - meditating on His goodness, delighting in
the beauty of His creation, rejoicing in the
life of a new baby or the surprise of an
unexpected blessing. The Bible says, "Be still, and
know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10).
Someday we will be in His presence
forever; the Bible says, "God Himself will be with
them" (Rev. 21:3). What joy that will be! But in
the meantime, delight in His presence right now,
for He is with you every hour of the day. [Hope
for Each Day by Billy Graham]
ILLUSTRATION
Singing at Midnight
When you have a relationship with God,
the Bible says there is fullness of joy and
pleasures forevermore.
And Solomon wrote, He who is of a
merry heart has a continual feast (Proverbs
15:15 NKJV).
Paul and Silas were imprisoned in a Roman
dungeon for preaching the gospel. Yet at midnight,
they were singing praises to God, and the other
prisoners were listening (see Acts 16:25).
The midnight hour is not the easiest time
to sing praises to God. Nor is it the easiest
time to sing His praises when youre in the
doctors office, waiting for the results of a lab
test, or when youre in a hospital waiting room,
or when youre facing a thousand other
distressing scenarios.
When Paul was living under house arrest,
awaiting his appeal to Caesar, he wrote, Rejoice
in the Lord always. Again I will say,
rejoice! (Philippians 4:4 NKJV).
Loosely paraphrased, Paul was saying,
Look, if anyone could be depressed, its me. If
anyone could be down, its me. If anyone is
facing an uncertain future, its me. But heres
what Im saying to you: Rejoice in the Lord
always. Again I will say, say rejoice!
The prophet Habakkuk showed a similar
mindset when he wrote, Though the fig tree may
not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though
the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields
yield no food; though the flock may be cut off
from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls
- yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy
in the God of my salvation (3:17-18 NKJV).
These are the words of a man who knew
that God was still in control and still loved
him.
No matter whats going on, we can
rejoice in the Lord. Gods plans for us are still
good, and He has promised that Hell never leave
us or forsake us. [By Greg Laurie from Harvest
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com]
ONE LINER
We kept fresh flowers on the table, because
flower stands abounded on the streets, as if the
Danish people understand the importance of feeding
joy. [Mornings With Jesus 2021 Devotional by
Guideposts and Zondervan]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
My living God,
As I begin a fresh year, I rejoice that
You are continually working newness into my
life. Because You are doing a new thing, I must
not dwell on the past. I refuse to let last
year's disappointments and failures define me or
dampen my expectations. This is the day for a fresh
start! I know there are no limits to Your
creativity, so I anticipate some lovely surprises in
this year that stretches out before me.
Lord, I receive today as a precious gift
from You. I realize that the present moment is
where You meet with me. This is the day that You
have made. I know You have carefully prepared it
for me - with tender attention to every detail.
So I have good reason to rejoice and be glad in
this day!
As I journey along the path of Life, I'll
search for signs of Your loving Presence. I delight
in finding the little blessings You sprinkle
alongside my pathway - sometimes in surprising places.
As I discover them, I'll thank You for each
one. This keeps me close to You and helps me find
Joy in my journey.
In Your blessed Name, Jesus, Amen (Isaiah
43:18-19; Psalm 118:24 ESV; Psalm 16:11 NKJV) [Jesus
Listens by Sarah Young]
LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY
Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy is in Gods
Presence.
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200429-0844.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2014/20141027-2150.html
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20110120-1211.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
https://abible.com/links/