A joy that lasts

Sunday January 2, 2022

A joy that lasts

You make me know the path of life ; there are abundant joys in your presence, eternal happiness on your right hand. Psalm 16.11

A few years ago, I wondered why I found more joy in fleeting things than in God. So I prayed : "What does this abundance of joy in your presence mean, whatever the circumstances ?"

The image of the path in this psalm has helped me : God accompanies us there (verse 8). Not just when we feel it but all the time. The simple fact of telling himself so gives joy and rest to David : the path is that of life and not of death.

These verses foreshadow the resurrection of Christ (verses 7 and 9 ; Acts of the Apostles 2:25-31) : our joy is linked to the work of Jesus. His death and resurrection give us hope ; joy casts out fear.

I have often thanked God for this joy, asking him to help me stay attached to it. In his sovereignty, he allowed this journey to take place a few months before the death of our son, at his birth. These verses took on another dimension in my thoughts. The suffering is extreme, but does not mean that the joy ends. God always precedes me and since his presence is the source of our joy, the joy is still there. I never imagined experiencing grief this way, and though the ordeal is tough, the living Word of God has been at work like never before in my life.

Rachel Yates

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Proposed reading : Psalm 16, verses 5 to 11.

16.5 Eternal, you are my portion, and the cup where I drink, you are securing my lot.

16.6 A delicious inheritance is given to me, a fine possession granted to me.

16.7 I bless the Lord, for he counsels me ; even at night my heart teaches me.

16.8 I have the Lord constantly before me ; when he is on my right, I am not moved.

16.9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my spirit glad. Even my body will rest safe,

16:10 For thou wilt not forsake my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine beloved to know decay.

16.11 You make known to me the path of life ; there are abundant joys in your presence, eternal happiness on your right hand.

Source (Live Today)