Psalm 16 Fullness of Joy

Many times, I have sought happiness and joy in all the wrong places. Family, work, human love are only some of them. As much satisfaction and joy family, work, and relationships can bring to one's life they are all temporary, short lived. The birth of a child awakens one to the mystery of life, but it also is a slap in the face to the reality of sickness, suffering, and the frailty of life. The work of one's hands brings great satisfaction after a job well done, but it does not last. Soon enough, one accomplishment calls for another and there is no end to the sequel to relive the joy. Human love is also so imperfect and frail, plagued with betrayal, mistrust, and many disappointments.

Where can I find fullness of joy? A joy that remains even when my circumstances change. A joy that has no end to its supply. A joy that does not depend on my work or lack of it. According to Psalm 16, that joy is found in God alone. David declares: "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you." To have this everlasting joy in my life, I must declare God the Lord of my life. In reality, he is the Lord of my life whether I accept it or not. But God is looking for my surrender to his sovereign rule. Choosing to live as a rebel in God's kingdom is a sure formula for disaster and lack of joy.

Secondly, I must have confidence that God, as the sovereign ruler of my life, is my benefactor, my refuge. He has my best interest in mind. Therefore, I have confidence in him. This confidence brings also contentment in life. David says: "The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places." Using the imagery of the division of the land and plot allotment, he confesses contentment with the portion God has assigned to his life. If I want true joy, I must learn to be content with my portion in life. Some will be rich. Some will be poor. Whatever my lot, I will be content in God.

Thirdly, David says: "I have set the Lord always before me." If one wants to experience true joy, joy everlasting, one must intentionally, and purposefully seek God's counsel and reflect upon that counsel even as one lies in bed at night. God promises to make known "the path of life" that leads to that joy.

Father, help me live my life in submission to your rule. Fill me with thoughts of confidence and contentment in you for the life you have given. Show me the path of life that I may walk in your presence with everlasting joy. Amen.

Matthew 5:1-12 The Beatitudes

It is written in the Declaration of Independence that we have the right to pursue our happiness. I believe everyone is out seeking it with all their might. I'm not so sure that we are pursuing it in the right places. Natural man tends to think that happiness is all that brings temporary satisfaction no matter the source. 

But true happiness comes only from God and must be judged in light of eternity. Happiness is to be blessed by God. It is to enjoy his favor upon us. Unfortunately, I think that God will favor me all the time no matter what I am or what I do. The Scriptures teach me that if I want to enjoy the favor of God in my life, I must live by certain principles that will bring that blessing upon me. God's love is unconditional, but God's blessing is conditional - still by grace, but conditional.

God's blessings follow the principle of the harvest. What I sow, I will reap. There are many blessings that are the exception to this principle because God's grace is extended by his sovereign hand as he pleases. But as a general principle, God's blessings come upon those who are and act according to kingdom principles.

God blesses the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemaker, and the persecuted. It must be understood that each and every one of these "virtues" are tied to the kingdom of God and for its sake. I need to grow so much in each and every one of these! 

Lord, help me understand that your blessings are poured on the righteous. May my life follow you in every way to enjoy the many benefits that you offer. May I be willing to suffer in the here and now to enjoy the blessings that last forever.