Fullness of JOY

As I continue to pursue the topic of JOY, the direct connection between JOY and HOPE is increasingly established in my mind.

 

 

"I have set the LORD always before me;

Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory REJOICES;

My flesh also will rest in HOPE."

 

 

"You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of JOY;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

 Psalm 16:8,9,11

 

It seems to me the key to the JOY and HOPE which David describes here lies in the very first phrase:

 

 setting the LORD always before me

 

There is a confidence, a security which springs from being in His Divine Presence; of knowing who HE is, what HE wants of me and where I am going.

 

I shall not be moved

You will show me the path

 

What glorious words in this world of darkness and uncertainty!

 

Armed and protected by THIS knowledge of THIS GOD,

JOY and HOPE

of being victorious in this life

and partaking of the eternal pleasures

are mine.

 

Praise God!

 

 



 

The Joy of Thy Salvation

The other night I was praying. I was asking God to help me unload ALL of my burdens and cares. Isn't that sad.

 The LORD has offered to take on ALL of my cares, all I have to do is "cast" them upon Him.
 But I can't even seem to do that without His help.
I cast them.
Then I take them right back.
Just kidding Lord.
I really DO want to carry this huge ball and chain around. (??)
Anyway.
As I am speaking with God about this, a sweet, beautiful psalm comes to mind:

Restore to me the joy of Thy salvation

           (Psalm51:12)     

 

Yes! That's it! That's what I am seeking!

 

Once again, it seems to me, the Lord has reminded me of one of the most basic principle of Christianity: Keep your mind dwelling on the Lord and what He had done and will do for you.And go tell others.

REMEMBER

that you've been saved from an eternity of misery.

REMEMBER

that HEAVEN will surely be worth it all.

REMEMBER

that we SHOULD live on a higher plane, free of the burdens this life throws on us.

REMEMBER

that God has always been in control.

 

Just typing that last thought makes me smile.

 

Wait, what was that?!

I think it was a weight lifting off of my shoulders!