Pathway to Joy

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 16:11 

In her book Joyful, author Ingrid Fetell Lee suggests that “joy is the most basic building block of happiness,” and that “joy is hiding in plain sight.” Though her book is not faith-based, she is accurate in her assessment that “we all have this impulse to seek out joy… The drive toward joy is the drive toward life.” The Bible assures you that joy is not hidden, nor is it elusive. It is found in ever deepening relationship with God Himself. 

Pastor and apologist Tim Keller said, “Joy is the thing everyone is after and yet no one seems to have.” Joy can be found in the promise Jesus made when He said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Today’s verse reflects God’s guidance and His presence as sources of joy. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “Make it known to me, God. Yes, the path long-term of what being a Christ follower looks like, but also the short-term. Tonight. Tomorrow. Next week. The next hour.” 

As you continue to learn more about the Lord from His Word, you travel the pathway to fullness of joy. Thank the Father for the blessings and love He gives as you commune with Him in prayer and heed the Holy Spirit’s direction. Joy has become scarce in America, including among government officials. Pray that they will be introduced to the only Source of true joy and find in Him the life everlasting that no one can take away. 

Today’s Verse: Psalm 16:11 

You make known to me the path of life; 
    in your presence there is fullness of joy; 
    at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Romans 8:35-39

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, 

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; 
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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