You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
We spend much of our lives seeking direction, peace, relevance, and joy. Yet many look in the wrong direction, turning to sources that cannot deliver refreshing fulfillment. Psalm 16:11 calls us back to the only true source of all that we seek and more: the presence of God.
David says, “You make known to me the path of life.” It makes clear that only God deserves our trust as we pursue the path that leads to peace, the prosperity of the soul and purpose, and true joy. It shows that when we allow Him to take the lead and walk closely behind Him, the path becomes clearer before us, even on dark days.
Then David says, “In your presence there is fullness of joy.”
Most of what the world offers is partial and temporal. Deeper joy that trumps a good week or favorable circumstances is found only in His presence. Being in the presence of the powerful in this world pales in comparison to being in the presence of the Almighty. Those who pay top money to meet celebrities can only feel a brief spike of happiness.
Only through Christ, and in Him, do we find the steadiness we need when uncertain moments arrive. In His presence, His power is made perfect when we feel weakest. And only by Him do we know that we are more than conquerors when we feel alone and lonely.
Make room for Him daily
Take time to commune with Him, and give Him a chance to converse with you as you go about your commute in life.
- Sing Him a song.
- Read a Psalm about His goodness.
- Pray your prayers of gratitude for His faithfulness and love.
And in all you do, remember you are not talking to a distant God. God is here, with you.
A thought to carry this week
Remember that God’s presence is where our hearts learn to live truly. And with that knowing comes direction, peace, relevance, and joy.
Prayer
Lord, help me to see you more clearly this week. I want to know you more, follow you more closely, and love you more dearly. Teach me how to become more aware of your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
In His Presence,
Rev. Dr. Jemiriye Fakunle
Pastor, New Bethel United Methodist Church