I know the Lord is always with me.

    I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.

    My body rests in safety.

For you will not leave my soul among the dead

    or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.

You will show me the way of life,

    granting me the joy of your presence

    and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Psalm 16:8-11

The joy of the Lord is not temporal or fleeting. We have so much in which to rejoice regardless of circumstances. The Lord is always with us. He is faithful to reveal His mysteries to us at just the right time!  Our hearts are glad, our bodies are rested, and our souls are forever sealed with the kiss of eternal life. We are full of eager expectation of the wonderful things yet to come. We rejoice knowing the same promise that brought the Messiah to earth is the same promise that brings us this established joy. It is a joy that cannot be taken from us and we can stand on firm footing in His presence for all of eternity. Have you attached your joy to something that does not have a strong foundation, or have you embraced faithful love? (Additional scripture: John 16:22; Psalm 51:12: Jonah 2:8)

Prayer:

Lord, thank you that your joy is my strength. Today I pause and ask you to show me what in my life might be trying to steal the joy you have given me. I lay those things down now at your feet. Fill my heart with a renewed expectation of the good things you have for me, my family and friends, and this world. Amen.