King David ends Psalm 16 by describing pure joy: “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” We don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to experience His joy and endless pleasures; we can experience the joyful abundance of His presence anytime. Our intimate and interpersonal relationship with Him assures us this access.
Sometimes we confuse happiness with joy. Happiness and joy are both natural, positive emotions.
But while happiness depends on circumstances, our state of mind, and feelings that come and go, God’s joy is the complete opposite- it is a constant, eternal state of contentment and not dependent on circumstances.
It is a joy that fills us up to a “satisfying abundance” according to the Hebrew. We’re talking an abundant joy of “Thanksgiving dinner” proportions!
The Christian’s joy is a way of life; a state of our minds and hearts. We received it as a fruit of the Holy Spirit when we were born again into a new life in Christ.
It is part of our character because it is a part of His. Nothing (or no one!) can strip it away.
Peter describes it this way: “Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.” 1 Peter 1:8.
This is a joy that words cannot describe; they cannot do it justice!
Joy in the Presence of the Lord
True joy is the deep assurance living inside of us that allows us to celebrate with Him every day, no matter what obstacles litter our path.
It brings us complete and total security knowing Jesus is walking beside us as we take each step, holding our hand when we stumble or become weak, and carrying us when we become overwhelmed.
He is at work in our entire life; seeing us through it all; enabling us to find the joy we can’t create or earn on our own.
Biblical joy is also unique in that, while earthly happiness and sorrow cannot exist together, spiritual joy and sorrow can. Here are a few examples:
Jesus Christ was “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” (Isaiah 53:3)
Yet the author of Hebrews reminds us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2.)
Jesus didn’t think of His crucifixion as a joyful circumstance. He could, however, look past the cross because He understood what would come next- the joy that brings salvation to His beloved children.
Here’s another example:
The Romans stripped Silas and the Apostle Paul, had them beaten, severely flogged, and thrown into prison, their feet placed in stocks.
Despite enduring this horrible treatment, they still joyfully “prayed and sang hymns to God.” (Acts 16:22-25.)
It’s easy to be happy when everything is going right in our lives, but unbounded joy comes from within. It is an unending blessing, a “beautiful inheritance” (Psalm 16:6) from our heavenly Father we can access at any time. Yes, even in trials and sadness.
How to Have Joy in the Lord
So, how can we experience joy in God’s presence each day? Let’s go back to Psalm 16 where King David gives us his process:
Psalm 16:7-9
“I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices.”
Here are 3 steps to experience the joy of being in the presence of God:
•Open your Bible!
Spending time in God’s Word is where we receive His “counsel”; guiding our thoughts, words, and actions into a more holy life. It is also where we get a “sneak peek” at His beauty, majesty, and glory that will be fully revealed to us in heaven. Complete joy!
•Come to Him often in prayer and worship.
Pour your heart out to Him- He’s always listening and loves a humble and grateful heart. Sing/speak words of worship. Seeking His presence through worship naturally draws us closer to Him.
Do you need some inspiration? The Psalms are full of prayers, praise and worship!
•Guard your mind and heart-
Satan loves to play on our fears and uncertainties. He wants us focused on our worldly troubles, not our source of strength.
David’s reference to being at “the right hand of God” is a place of strength and protection for us. With Him by our side and in our thoughts, we will not be shaken by the twists and turns on our life path. At God’s right hand, we have an abundance of confidence and joy!
“Setting the Lord before us” is being intentional in focusing on our Lord Jesus in every situation; trusting He will protect and guide us.
10 Bible verses about Joy
1 Thessalonians 5:16
“Be joyful always.”
While it might go against our natural tendencies, we can be joyful at all times because our joy is not based on our circumstances. It is based on Him who never changes.
Philippians 4:4
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice!”
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.”
God fills us with an everlasting joy that is in anticipation of what He has planned for us.
Psalm 5:11
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy!”
Psalm 71:23
“My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you- I, whom you have redeemed.”
Nehemiah 8:10
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
1 Peter 1:8
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy.
Isaiah 35:10
“And the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
John 15:11
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Isaiah 61:10
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Experiencing joy in the presence of the Lord can be a daily reality in our Christian life. We know in our hearts that He is always by our side, and at our appointed hour, we will see Him face to face, and He will take us home.
That beautiful promise of eternal delight lets us live daily with faith, hope, and joy.
Blessings of Abundant Joy!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV unless specified otherwise.
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