Fullness of Joy

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

God will show us the path of life. 

• Show – be, allow, or cause to be visible 
• Path – a way or track laid down for walking or made by continual treading  
• Life – Functional activity and continual change preceding death 

It tells us, beloved in this verse that God will cause to be visible to us a walk for walking made by continual treading of functional activity and continual change preceding our homegoing beloved. 

Saints how has He shown us the way to do this journey called life? He’s shown us by the life of His darling son Jesus, who He allowed to come to earth and dwell, live as one of us. He’s shown us by the very text, the bible, the 66 books that has detailed accounts of life lived by those He chose. He gives us countless examples. He shows us through prayer and fasting as the Holy Spirit speaks to us when we listen, rest and pray as we come into His presence. 

In His presence where there is fullness of joy. Fullness- containing as much as possible, no empty space; so full that like that fictional character Santa Claus – we are filled out; so full that we are round or as I like to say girthy in shape. Joy not as the world defines it, but spiritual joy. The settled assurance that God is in control of all the details of our lives. The quiet confidence that ultimately everything is going to be alright and a determined predesigned choice to praise God in every situation. This is how Pastor Rick Warren defines joy. However, may I simplify that for us saints and say God is good, All the time God is good. Or Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Or Philippians 4:11& 12 Where Paul writes, Not that I speak in regard to need; for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content; I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need, So, whether I have a little or a lot I still have joy. Whether the rent is due, and I have the money or not I still have joy. When my kid is knee deep in the principality that has a hold of his life, I still have joy. When the world is in chaos because of shootings, looting, carjacking and a COVID-19 pandemic, I still have joy. When I just got a terminal health diagnosis, I still have joy. When my cupboards are bare, I dig deep, and I still have joy. When e-learning has me losing my mind, up in here, up in here, I still have joy.  

The fullness of our Fathers joy is such that others look and desire it for themselves. Others begin to question how they too can be so full of joy? They too wonder of this joy. His glory is being magnified saints as He uses us to tell others about the right hand of pleasure He has forevermore. In His right hand lies the fruit of the spirit. Because where there is joy, we might find peace. Where there is joy, there may be a sprinkle of patience. Where there is joy there may be some loving kindness. Where there is joy, there may be some longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. However, where there is joy, love resides, which is who and what our Father is and calls us to be and do. 

There are always pleasures with our Father. To reside in HIs love creates a fullness of joy. Thank you, Father, for your fullness of joy. Joy that is contagious we can do a praise. Joy so contagious that as we worship, we don’t care who looks and sees. Joy so contagious a constant smile is on our face. Joy so contagious that as we pass others on the street they wonder, they look, they stare, because they are seeking to understand the pleasures forevermore that our Father has bestowed upon us. So, let’s have joy today saints. Let’s have joy because when circumstances, life circumstances aren’t going our way, or aren’t what we thought they would be. We have joy because we know our Father is still on the throne of grace and mercy. He is still present, providing for every need.  

So how can you have joy today? Where do you need to epxerience His fullness of Joy in your life?