Fullness of Joy

“I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life, in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:8-11)

Joy doesn’t always come naturally to everyone. For some, joy seems to bubble up and over with ease but for others, it is much more of an active fight for joy.

Whichever category you fall into, true and lasting joy cannot be found unless the Lord is set before you.

The psalmist David saw his fair share of difficulty. He faced deep betrayal. He bore the consequences of great wrongdoings. He expressed his sorrow in heavy laments, and yet here he bears witness to the joy that is found in the presence of God. David found that if God was with him, at his right hand, he would not collapse, though the world around him shook. He found that in any circumstance, his heart could be glad, his being could rejoice, his flesh would dwell secure if the Lord was his refuge. He found that his soul would not be abandoned, he would not see corruption, and he would be kept in the path of life if the Lord was his God. He found that in the presence of God, there is fullness of joy.

 In any and all circumstances, even in deep despair, God is the one who renews and restores our joy! Whether your joy is thriving right now or struggling deeply, set the Lord always before you, for in him alone, there is fullness of joy!