Daily Devotion:
Read Psalm 16:1-2, 11.
Psalm 16, a Psalm of David, begins with an acknowledgment of the Lord’s goodness. “Apart from you I have no good thing.” In fact, most of the Psalm is just that—a praise hymn to God, proclaiming him to be our mighty refuge, our strong counselor, and our firm foundation. Then David reminds us the basic truth of our faith: God shows us the path of life. So far, this Psalm has told us God is good and leads us in the way we should go. But it is in the last part of verse 11 that we read the true benefit of a life lived in close relationship with God: “You will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” God fills us with joy when we are in his presence. But can we feel that kind of joy all the time? All of life is to be lived in the presence and power of God, not just for a few minutes when we are in prayer or Bible study. To truly enjoy the abundant life, we need to be more aware of God all the time, in every circumstance and every encounter. We need that regular, focused quiet time, but we also need to take our awareness of and commitment to God into our more numerous “noisy times.” This life of gladness and rejoicing and fullness of joy is not a problem-free life. We may face challenges and attacks on many levels. However, when we make a life commitment to God and practice living daily in his presence, we will experience a secure, joy-filled, blessed life.
Personal Worship Option:
Prayer for the day: “I know that life is found in constantly realizing that you are with me, that you are leading me, that you are guiding me, that you are directing me, and in your presence, I find fullness of joy.”
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