"In His presence there is fullness of joy"
Psalm 16:11
In this Psalm, we are shown the heart of David, the author, and the insight he gives about walking with God. He says that God makes known the path of life. When you cross reference Matthew 7:13, he states,"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
The path to destruction is easy, it doesn't require sacrifice or self-denial. Obedience to God is hard: it requires us to die to ourselves and our flesh and live for Him. BUT - joy comes directly from obedience to God, and it is evidence of fellowship with Him: "in your presence is fullness of joy..." We see it in Psalm 17:15: "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness." We are reminded of this truth in Psalm 21:6: "For you make him most blessed forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence." Psalm 36:8 says, "They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights." Psalm 65:4 says,"Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple!" The nearness of God gives life.
David is facing death. Saul and his troops are after him. But as he faces death, he is meditating on the contrast of what truly gives life and what breathes death. Walking with God gives life: "The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance!" (Psalm 15:5-6) In contrast: "The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply..."
Side note: In true "Kat" fashion, I had to look up the definition of the word fullness because I feel like it always helps to truly understand the technical definition. The meaning is " the quality or state of being filled completely or to utmost capacity." Think on that for a bit. In His presence, the joy we experience, there's so much, that it overflows. He's not handing us morsels or small portions of joy- He abundantly gives it to us, and it OVERFLOWS.
I pray that you will pursue Him in obedience and that you will truly know abundant joy from walking with Him.
