“You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps 16:11).

The joy that emanates from the presence of the Lord has two valuable qualities. Firstly, the joy from God’s presence is FULL. Other pursuits in life can only give us traces of happiness, but God’s presence produces joy in abundance. Don’t settle for less! Too many of us don’t have enough joy in our hearts. Only overflowing joy is sufficient to overcome the dark clouds and depression that hang over our heads today. Only plenteous joy enables us to be credible witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit produces a holy joy nothing else can match. “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Ro 14:17). Secondly, the joy God’s presence produces is FOREVER. That means it is not temporary. It’s not fleeting like the kind produced by some exciting events. No drug, drink or deed can match the “joy unspeakable and full of glory” available in God’s presence (1 Pet 1:8). This kind of joy doesn’t produce any guilt, other aftereffect or hangover afterwards! No party, pursuit or person can give you the everlasting pleasures only available at the Father’s right hand by His Spirit. Appreciate, pursue and dwell in His holy presence more and more. It’s worth it!

Pastor Josh