Fullness of Joy

Psalm 16: 11

You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy.

This passage reminds me of a verse recently used for the Word of the Day. That verse is Psalm 119: 105 and it reads, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” I believe it also goes along with the Word of the Day from Tuesday which encourages seeking God’s wisdom.

It is very easy to believe that fullness of joy exists in the Lord’s presence. How could there be anything else? When we work backwards through this verse, you understand that fullness of joy exists in following Jesus onto the correct path. He is the light which lights our way. He is the way, in fact, and the light of his presence is constantly leading us to fruitful paths. As we seek the light, he leads us onto that path of life where there is always fullness and peace. It leads us into that Jewish concept of peace, Shalom, wherein all things in life work. There is nothing missing nor broken but, in all things, there is perfect wholeness.

The key here is in seeking the Lord’s face, seeking his presence. As we do that one thing, he leads us to that perfect place of provision and peace. Seek the Lord’s face continually. Seek his knowledge and wisdom and may the blessing of his presence follow you daily.

Statutory Lamp

Psalm 119: 105

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

This is a long psalm and all of it has to do with the ordinances, the statutes of the Lord. The psalmist knows that peace, strength, and blessing are in the precepts of the Lord. He finds his strong tower and his shield in the law of God. The statutes of God are not laws to be despised to this psalmist. He understands that God has given the law as a means to aid and protect His loved ones. They are life and healing to those who find them. Today’s verse shows that God’s word is a guiding light.

I am reminded of John 8: 31 where Jesus is recorded telling believers that true disciples are those who hold to his teaching. To what teaching does he refer? You could say this means everything which is in red ink in the New Testament but when I read it in light of John 1: 1 & 14 where Jesus is revealed as the Word, and alongside today’s psalm, I know that Jesus meant that we should find him in the Old Testament as well as the new. Today’s passage certainly leads us to that conclusion because safety and light are in those old passages.

Delight in the Lord and in His Word and you are sure to find peace and comfort.