Fullness of joy

Psalm 16:11

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

What is the path of life? Where does joy come from? Is it possible? Jesus spoke of it when He said, “These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy might be full.” Do you see, my friend, that not all joy is full joy? It may be temporary, circumstantial, ephemeral. It may be half, and not full; partial and not complete. However, the Lord doesn’t settle for half-way. He desires and has made the way that we may be “full of joy with His countenance.” Now how do we have this? Is it available to all? Or are some doomed to depression, misery, and gloom? Are there some, that because of the hand of life that has been dealt them, they have no hope of full joy? Certainly not! For this is available to every child of God. Every believer in Christ. For you see! The answer is within the verse we have just read. In Thy presence is fullness of joy! You see here, it is not in us! It is not circumstantial! Indeed, it has nothing to do with the events and happenings of life! It is perfectly unrelated, and completely disconnected! True joy comes from God’s presence! At Thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore! Therefore, this can be attained at any time, with or without feelings of joy, peace, and calmness. Christ’s presence, as it did to His disciples on the stormy night, brings calmness and peace and joy.

Pleasures for evermore! What is Heaven? It is righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. See Romans 14:17. It is true, sublime, unhindered happiness. It is unimpeded, unmarred, and indestructible heavenly joy. Why will we have this in Heaven? Because God is there! His presence dwells among them that are there. God Himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes…you see, my friend, the tears are wiped away because God’s very presence necessitates the removal of them. And if, my dear friend, lasting joy comes from God’s presence, then why can we not have it now, this day, this moment?

Dear one, I pray right now that you will dwell this day in fullness of joy. Do not allow the darts and doubts of the enemy and the discouragement and disillusionment of life remove the joy that Christ can give. His joy is not predicated in anything other than Himself. Would you ask Him today to fill you full with His joy—the joy that comes from His face, and that emanates from His countenance?

“Now, dear Father, we thank you that you have made full joy available for the taking. We know that we can have it! We beseech Thee, Lord, that we would not derive it from the ever changing tide and scenery of life; but instead, let us derive it fully from Thee. For then, we shall have full joy! We shall have at Thy right hand pleasures for evermore! Give this to us this day, we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”