“1 Keep me safe, O God, for I have come to you for refuge. 2 I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.’ 3 The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them! 4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods. I will not take part in their sacrifices of blood or even speak the names of their gods. 5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. 6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance! 7 I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. 10 For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave. 11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” —Psalm 16:1-11
True joy begins in God’s presence.
“11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.” —Psalm 16:11
“15 Then Moses said, ‘If you don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place…’” —Exodus 33:15
When joy is not present, we can find ourselves settling for counterfeit joy.
“4 Troubles multiply for those who chase after other gods…” —Psalm 16:4
Joy is not our mood. Joy is our strength.
“5 Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing. You guard all that is mine. 6 The land you have given me is a pleasant land. What a wonderful inheritance!” —Psalm 16:5-6
“10 And Nehemiah continued, ‘Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!’” —Nehemiah 8:10
Joy and grief are often experienced in the same space.
“8 I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. 9 No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.” —Psalm 16:8-9