The Joy of the Lord
Daily Old Testament Reading: Psalm 14, 16, 19
Daily Focus Passage:Psalm 16
Psalm 16 centers on the joy that a believer finds in salvation. We search for happiness and joy from many sources, but genuine and true joy comes only from the Lord. When we experience redemption through Christ, we access the joy that cannot be found in this world. Psalm 16 depicts several truths about the joy of salvation.
TRUTH 1 – THE JOY OF THE LORD
The phrase "the joy of the Lord" reminds us that we find joy in the truth that the Lord holds fast to his own. He does not abandon or leave; instead, he firmly grips his children and holds onto them. As a result, the Lord provides the needed refuge for the believer. He offers the place of protection and safety that provides joy. The joy of the Lord becomes full when we recognize that the only genuine good comes from the Lord. Thus, we must first recognize that the joy of the Lord is the true needed joy. Where are you attempting to find joy?
TRUTH 2 – THE JOY OF FELLOWSHIP
The Lord created the fellowship of the Body of Christ to provide support, encouragement, and joy to one another. The joy experienced in the fellowship of believers occurs because of the Lord. The support of the Lord through the Body of Christ provides delight. Thus, the second truth we must recognize concerning genuine joy is the ability to delight in the fellowship of believers. How are you delighting in the fellowship of believers?
TRUTH 3 – THE JOYLESSNESS OF THE PAGAN
The Psalmists detail the joyless state of the pagan. The pagan cannot find genuine, authentic joy because they seek fulfillment and purpose in false gods. They attempt to find joy in the people, places, and things of this world instead of the Lord. Their surrender and sacrifice become pointless because it is empty. Thus, the third truth reminds us that those who do not have a relationship with the Lord never find joy. What wrong places have you or are you searching for joy?
TRUTH 4 – THE JOY OF INHERITANCE
The Psalmist notes that the Lord is his "chosen portion," "my cup," and his "beautiful inheritance." These statements reveal that the joy experienced by the child of God finds hope in the certainty of the future. The knowledge and guarantee of eternity promote true joy in the believer's life. Thus, the fourth truth indicates that the promise of the inheritance of eternal life encourages true joy. How are you encouraged by the promise of eternal life?
TRUTH 5 – THE JOY OF GUIDANCE
Navigating life can become a difficult task. We face many decisions at various crossroads. The joy of the struggle occurs when we seek and rely upon the guidance of the Lord. The Lord guides our paths to experience his goodness and work in our lives. This goodness promotes the presence and experience of genuine joy because joy is not determined by the moment but by the one guiding us. The fifth truth explains how true joy is based on the one guiding us and not our experiences. How is the guidance of the Lord providing joy in your life?
When you consider joy, where are you seeking to find it? Are you attempting to find joy in the moments of life, or are you trusting in the Lord? Any joy not grounded in the Lord will not last. The joy of the Lord is certain and provides us with strength and encouragement. As you consider your life, where is your joy from?
