You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
(Psalm 16:11 NKJV)
Do you ever feel you are playing a game of hide-and-seek while joy eludes you? I know joy is found in Jesus, but when you’ve spent a night weeping, joy has found a great hiding place. One you can’t find. You’re ready to give up, not willing to put another ounce of energy into the search.
Iva and I used to play hide-and-seek until she learned all my hiding places, both inside and outside. Occasionally I load up one of her toys with treats, and I hide it. Iva takes a while to sniff out her treats, running from room to room sniffing the air for that delectable aroma. Then she catches a whiff of it, and she hones in on that specific area. After finding her toy, she retreats to a quiet place and enjoys her goodies.
Joy isn’t hiding from us like Iva’s toy. We just fail to focus on its location. Today’s verse tells us where we can always find joy. In the presence of the Lord.
When tears flow, when a loved one passes on, when anxiety weighs us down, when nothing goes right, and when everything goes wrong, we can enter His presence.
Joy isn’t the absence of problems. It’s the presence of God.
Iva deliberately sniffs out her treats to find her hidden toy. Friend, you and I must deliberately get in the presence of God to possess His joy. How do we do that?
Jesus assures us that when we pray, we will discover joy.
Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24 NKJV)
Sharing a conversation with the Lord always seems to put everything into perspective for me. I realize His greatness and my shortcomings. I also discern just how small my problems are when compared to His power. And if I slip outside to pray, He reminds me of His creation with a gentle breeze or the fragrance of a flower. He is our creator and sustainer, and I find joy in that reminder.
Praise and Worship music isn’t limited to church. Whether it’s a favorite hymn or the latest Chris Tomlin song, hit “play” and get alone with God. In my deepest sorrows, I have always found this uplifting.
Finally, get in His Word. It is a living, breathing love letter to us. How can we not enter His gates with joy when we absorb His Word?
Joy isn’t an elusive game of hide-and-seek. Joy is exclusively found in God’s presence.
Friend, today you may picture joy as a lit candle in a dark room, but that light will invade every inch of darkness. Praise God especially when you don’t feel like it. Talk to your Father. Ask Him to speak as you read Scripture.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. (Psalm 30:5b NKJV)
***If you enjoyed today’s devotional you’ll love my upcoming book. Travel back to how it all began with Iva and me: Faith, Freedom and 4 Paws: Seeing God Through Iva’s Eyes Guide dog Tales Book 1!! Check it out here.
Originally posted on July 6, 2020 @ 3:00 am